SingaporeCan I get compensation for inconvenience from a defective product?
No, the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act does not provide compensation for mere inconvenience caused by a defective product — it only allows remedies like repair, replacement, refund, or price reduction.
What the Law Says
The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (CPFTA) sets out consumers’ rights when goods are defective, but it does not include compensation for non-financial losses such as time, stress, or inconvenience.
Under the CPFTA, if a product is defective — meaning it does not conform to the contract of sale (e.g., not of satisfactory quality, not fit for purpose, or not as described) — the consumer is entitled to certain statutory remedies. These include repair, replacement, refund, or a reduction in price.
However, the law does not provide for monetary compensation for intangible losses like inconvenience, frustration, or wasted time. The remedies are strictly corrective and transactional — aimed at restoring fairness in the sale, not compensating for personal hardship.
Statutory Texts. 6: —
— Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, s. 6 —
What to Do
Check if the product is defective under the CPFTA (e.g., faulty, unsafe, or not as advertised).
Contact the seller promptly to request repair, replacement, refund, or price reduction.
If the seller refuses without valid reason, file a complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE).
For disputes over $20,000 or involving complex claims, consider the Small Claims Tribunals — but note: they also do not award inconvenience compensation.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.