KUWAIT: According to consumer protection law no 39/2014, consumers have a right to exchange products or get a refund within 14 days of purchase, the ministry of commerce and industry emphasized yesterday. In a press statement, the ministry pointed out the law allows a consumer to replace or return a defected product within 14 days of purchase (provided that it is not a perishable product), and further states that vendors and suppliers are jointly liable.

The law is in effect once a merchant provides a consumer with an invoice confirming the product, the date of sale and purchase, the price, the quantity, type etc. If a consumer and a vendor argue over conditions of a returned product, the National Committee for Consumer Protection (NCCP) should be contacted.

On June 5, 2014, law no. 39 of 2014 relating to consumer protection (the consumer protection law) was published in the official gazette. The law has 37 articles aimed at safeguarding consumer rights and creating an instrument of control to ensure such rights are properly defended.