"Lemon Law" to kick off 1 September

The law will open recourse options for consumers and retailers.

In a release, Singapore’s “Lemon Law”, passed in Parliament on 9 March 2012, will come into effect on 1 September 2012. The new legislation will provide more options in terms of recourse for both consumers and retailers through additional remedies, such as repair and replacement, and provide greater clarity on the burden of proof for defective goods.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck, who visited home furnishing retailer IKEA as it geared up for the changes, said, “With the new Lemon Law, consumers and retailers now have more options of recourse for defective goods. I encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the provisions under the Law. At the same time, we also want to ensure that businesses are not subject to frivolous claims and that limitations and safeguards are in place.

Consumers and retailers can also refer to the Lemon Law Consumer Guides prepared by Consumers Association of Singapore
(CASE), Trade Associations and MTI to better understand the recourse available and limitations under the Law. The new provisions will improve the consumer-retailer relationship and the overall retail experience in Singapore as businesses improve their sales and service processes, while consumers are more aware of options for fair recourse.”

CASE President Lim Biow Chuan said, “We believe the clearer options provided for in the lemon provisions of the Consumer Fair Trading Act will benefit both consumers and retailers as disputes relating to defective goods can be more speedily resolved."