I bought a defective product. Can I return it under Singapore's Lemon Law?

What the Law Says

Singapore’s 'Lemon Law' is part of the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (CPFTA), which gives consumers rights when goods are defective or do not meet acceptable quality standards.

The CPFTA applies to all consumer transactions in Singapore where goods are bought for personal, domestic, or household use — not for resale or business. It covers physical goods (e.g., electronics, appliances, furniture) but not services or real estate.

Under the law, goods must be of 'acceptable quality', meaning they must be safe, durable, free from defects, and fit for their intended purpose. If a product fails this standard, the consumer may request a remedy — such as repair, replacement, refund, or compensation — depending on the nature and timing of the defect.

Within 6 months of purchase, there is a legal presumption that any defect existed at the time of delivery — unless the seller proves otherwise. After 6 months, the burden shifts to the consumer to prove the defect was present at delivery.

Statutory Text

Goods supplied to a consumer must be of acceptable quality, having regard to— (a) the description of the goods; (b) the price of the goods; and (c) all other relevant circumstances.

— Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, s. 12A — Goods of acceptable quality

Statutory Text

Where goods supplied to a consumer do not conform to the contract of supply, the consumer may require the supplier to— (a) repair the goods; (b) replace the goods; or (c) refund the price paid for the goods.

— Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, s. 12B — Remedies for failure to conform

What to Do

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