Can I claim a refund if the product breaks down within 6 months?

What the Law Says

Under Singapore’s Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act and Sale of Goods Act, consumers are protected when goods fail to meet basic standards — including being of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose.

If a product breaks down within 6 months of purchase, the law presumes the defect was present at the time of delivery. The seller must prove otherwise to avoid liability.

You are entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund — depending on what is reasonable and proportionate. A full refund is available if repair or replacement is impossible, unreasonably delayed, or disproportionately costly.

This legal protection lasts for up to 2 years from delivery, but the 6-month presumption makes it significantly easier to claim early on.

Statutory Text

Where a contract of sale is subject to this Act, there is an implied condition that the goods supplied under the contract are of satisfactory quality.

— Sale of Goods Act, s. 14(2) — Satisfactory quality

Statutory Text

Where goods do not conform to the contract at the time of delivery, the buyer has the right to require the seller to repair or replace the goods, or to reduce the price or rescind the contract.

— Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, s. 13A — Remedies for supply of defective goods

What to Do

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