One of the toughest consumer durability laws in North America took effect in Quebec on Monday. Under amendments to the Consumer Protection Act passed as Bill 29, retailers and manufacturers must now warrant the "good working order" of new appliances and electronics for set minimum periods: six years for ranges, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and heat pumps; five years for washing machines, dryers and dishwashers; four years for television sets; and three years for computers, video game consoles, cellphones and tablets.
The rules apply to 14 product categories bought on or after Oct. 5, with the clock starting at the delivery date. If a covered product breaks down through normal use inside the warranty window, consumers can demand free repairs — and file complaints with Quebec's consumer protection agency, the Office de la protection du consommateur, if a retailer or manufacturer refuses.
The law is Quebec's latest strike against planned obsolescence, building on a 2023 ban on goods designed to have their normal lifespan deliberately shortened. Quebec courts have already refused to block the rollout: the Superior Court of Quebec dismissed retailer Groupe BMTC's (Tanguay) request to suspend the rules, ruling that public policy and the circular economy outweighed the company's financial concerns.
Industry groups warn of higher prices — several manufacturers have told retailers they will raise prices on affected products to cover the longer liability — and say the guidance arrived late. But the government counters that industry has known the rules were coming since the law received assent two years ago. Fines apply to merchants and manufacturers who fail to comply.
