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Asked: 2025-05-09T10:15:26+08:00 In:

How long is the warranty period for products purchased in China? What does it usually cover?

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How long is the warranty period for products purchased in China? What does it usually cover?
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    1. zlkzcmohmr
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      China’s product warranty framework is primarily governed by the “Three Guarantees” (三包) policy, legally mandating repair, replacement, and refund for quality-related issues. Below is a structured overview based on the latest regulations and industry practices:

      1. Standard Warranty Periods by Product Category

      The policy establishes tiered coverage based on purchase duration and product type, with specific timelines for key actions:

      7-Day Full Remedy Period

      • For performance faults detected within 7 days of purchase, consumers may choose:
        • Full refund
        • Replacement with an identical product
        • Free repair

      15-Day Replacement/Repair Window

      • Faults occurring between Day 8 and Day 15 allow consumers to request:
        • Product replacement (same model)
        • Free repair (refunds not applicable under this tier)

      Long-Term Warranty Coverage

      Product Category
      Whole Product Warranty
      Key Component Warranty
      Example Brands/Applications
      Household Appliances
      1 year (TVs, refrigerators)
      1–3 years (TV screens, AC compressors)
      Haier, Midea: compressors covered for 3 years
      Consumer Electronics
      1 year (phones, laptops)
      Up to 2 years for Apple products under local law
      Apple: iPhones with 2-year warranty in China
      Automobiles
      3 years/60,000 km (repairs)
      2 years/50,000 km (Three Guarantees eligibility)
      Volkswagen, Toyota: engine/transmission covered under extended terms

      2. Coverage Scope of Three Guarantees

      The policy applies to non-consumer-induced quality issues, explicitly covering:
      • Functional Failures: Malfunctions unrelated to misuse (e.g., a refrigerator failing to maintain temperature, a laptop battery swelling without physical damage).
      • Specification Non-Compliance: Products failing to meet advertised technical standards (e.g., a smartphone camera with lower resolution than claimed).
      • Repeated Repair Failures: If a product requires two or more repairs for the same issue within the warranty period, consumers may:
        • Request a new replacement product (same or equivalent model)
        • Claim a prorated refund based on usage duration and depreciation

      3. Exclusions from Warranty Coverage

      Coverage is explicitly denied for:
      • User-Induced Damage: Issues caused by accidents, unauthorized modifications, or improper use (e.g., water damage to a phone, cracked screen from dropping).
      • Lack of Documentation: Claims without valid proof of purchase (original invoice, receipt, or warranty card with serial number).
      • Aesthetic/Preference Issues: Disliking a product’s color, design, or non-functional features (e.g., “I don’t like the phone’s texture”) do not qualify.
      • Clearance Items: Products labeled “处理品” (as-is goods) sold at discounts, which are explicitly exempt from guarantees.

      4. Special Provisions and Exceptions

      Extended Warranty Offers

      • Many brands voluntarily provide longer coverage beyond legal mandates:
        • Apple: Offers AppleCare+ for 2–3 years of extended coverage for iPhones and Macs in China.
        • Lenovo: Provides 3-year warranties for ThinkPad laptops, covering both parts and labor.
      • These are commercial commitments, not part of the statutory Three Guarantees policy.

      E-Commerce Distinctions

      • Online purchases enjoy a separate 7-day no-reason return right (for unopened, unused items), regulated by the Consumer Rights Protection Law. This operates independently of the warranty system.

      Cross-Border Purchases

      • Imported products must have local warranty support (e.g., designated Chinese service centers) to qualify for Three Guarantees coverage.

      5. Warranty Claim Process

      Required Documentation

      • Original Purchase Proof: Invoice or receipt with product details, purchase date, and seller information.
      • Warranty Card: Manufacturer-issued card with serial number and registration details (if provided).
      • Repair Records: For repeat issues, retain records of previous service attempts, including dates and descriptions of problems.

      Step-by-Step Claim Submission

      1. Contact Seller/Manufacturer: Initiate service through authorized channels (brand website, customer hotline, or retail store).
      1. Service Center Evaluation: Submit the product for diagnosis at an authorized service center (required for complex issues).
      1. Escalation for Disputes: If denied unfairly, file complaints with:
        • 12315 Hotline/Platform: China’s national consumer protection agency, mediating disputes and enforcing policy compliance.
        • Local Market Supervision Administration bureaus, providing evidence of quality issues and warranty denial.

      6. Industry-Specific Considerations

      • Automobiles: Dealers must provide written Three Guarantees certificates, and engine/transmission issues within the first 60 days/3,000 km may qualify for immediate replacement.
      • Electronics: Brands like Xiaomi and Huawei often include free door-to-door pickup for warranty repairs in major cities.
      • Household Appliances: Some manufacturers (e.g., Gree) offer lifetime maintenance for core components (e.g., air conditioner compressors) as part of marketing campaigns.

      Conclusion

      Understanding the Three Guarantees policy empowers consumers to navigate warranty claims effectively. Always review manufacturer-specific policies (available on brand websites) for product details, and retain all documentation to support claims. For complex disputes, leveraging official channels like 12315 ensures compliance with China’s robust consumer protection framework.