Article 13 · Directive (EU) 2019/771

Contents

Article 13Remedies for lack of conformity#

1.In the event of a lack of conformity, the consumer shall be entitled to have the goods brought into conformity or to receive a proportionate reduction in the price, or to terminate the contract, under the conditions set out in this Article.

2.In order to have the goods brought into conformity, the consumer may choose between repair and replacement, unless the remedy chosen would be impossible or, compared to the other remedy, would impose costs on the seller that would be disproportionate, taking into account all circumstances, including:

(a)the value the goods would have if there were no lack of conformity;

(b)the significance of the lack of conformity; and

(c)whether the alternative remedy could be provided without significant inconvenience to the consumer.

2a.Before the seller provides the remedy to bring the goods into conformity, the seller shall inform the consumer about the consumer’s right to choose between repair and replacement, as well as about the possible extension of the liability period, provided for in Article 10(2a).

3.The seller may refuse to bring the goods into conformity if repair and replacement are impossible or would impose costs on the seller that would be disproportionate, taking into account all circumstances including those mentioned in points (a) and (b) of paragraph 2.

4.The consumer shall be entitled to either a proportionate reduction of the price in accordance with Article 15 or the termination of the sales contract in accordance with Article 16 in any of the following cases:

(a)the seller has not completed repair or replacement or, where applicable, has not completed repair or replacement in accordance with Article 14(2) and (3), or the seller has refused to bring the goods into conformity in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Article;

(b)a lack of conformity appears despite the seller having attempted to bring the goods into conformity;

(c)the lack of conformity is of such a serious nature as to justify an immediate price reduction or termination of the sales contract; or

(d)the seller has declared, or it is clear from the circumstances, that the seller will not bring the goods into conformity within a reasonable time, or without significant inconvenience for the consumer.

5.The consumer shall not be entitled to terminate the contract if the lack of conformity is only minor. The burden of proof with regard to whether the lack of conformity is minor shall be on the seller.

6.The consumer shall have the right to withhold payment of any outstanding part of the price or a part thereof until the seller has fulfilled the seller's obligations under this Directive. Member States may determine the conditions and modalities for the consumer to exercise the right to withhold the payment.

7.Member States may regulate whether and to what extent a contribution of the consumer to the lack of conformity affects the consumer's right to remedies.