Brussels, 29/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - The Czech Republic has again been called upon by the European Commission to respect EU consumer rights, and Greece, previously singled out in a similar infringement procedure, has now rectified the situation. It was decided on Thursday 28 October to continue with infringements proceedings against the Czech Republic and to end infringement proceedings for Greece.
The Commission criticises the Czech authorities for failure to properly implement EU Directive 99/44/EC on the sale of consumer goods that gives consumers the right to return defective goods to the seller within two years, for repair or replacement, irrespective of where purchased.
A first warning letter was not acted upon and in a reasoned opinion (the second stage of infringement proceedings) the Commission is now calling on the Czech Republic to remove the restrictions in its domestic law on consumer rights to return defective goods. Prague now has two months to remedy the situation, failing which it may be sent to the European Court of Justice. Unlike the directive, Czech legislation provides a much shorter time period for certain categories of goods, including goods that require further manufacture or production processes, food, goods for animals and goods with a sales deadline.
The reasoned opinion sent to Greece in March has been acted upon and Greek rules on the sale of consumer goods have been changed to enable Greek consumers to fully benefit from the protection provided under the EU directive in question. (A.N./transl.fl)