A product I bought broke after 18 months. Is the seller still responsible?

What the Law Says

The EU Consumer Sales Directive sets minimum rights for buyers when goods are defective. All EU Member States have transposed this into national law, guaranteeing consumers remedies for lack of conformity.

If a product you bought is defective — meaning it doesn’t match the description, isn’t fit for purpose, or lacks normal quality — the seller must provide a remedy. This legal guarantee lasts for at least 2 years from the date you received the goods.

Within the first 30 days after purchase, you have the right to reject the goods and get a full refund. After that, you’re entitled to repair or replacement — free of charge — unless it’s impossible or disproportionate. If those fail or aren’t provided within a reasonable time, you may ask for a price reduction or rescission (full or partial refund).

Importantly, if the defect appears within the first 2 years, it’s presumed to have existed at the time of delivery — the seller must prove otherwise, not you.

Statutory Text

The seller shall be liable to the consumer for any lack of conformity which exists at the time the goods were delivered.

— Directive 1999/44/EC, Art. 5(1)

Statutory Text

The legal guarantee shall cover all goods sold to consumers for a period of two years from delivery.

— Directive 1999/44/EC, Art. 7(1)

Statutory Text

Where a lack of conformity becomes apparent within two years of delivery… it shall be presumed that it existed at the time of delivery.

— Directive 1999/44/EC, Art. 5(3)

Sources