Russia updates rules for returning defective complex goods

New rules for returning technically complex goods came into force in Russia on 1 February. The amendments were introduced to the Law on Consumer Rights Protection.

When returning a defective item, the consumer will now be able to receive the difference between the price they paid for it and the market price of a similar item (taking into account wear and tear and year of manufacture) at the moment the seller fulfills the claim or a court decision is issued.

For example, if a buyer now wants to return a faulty laptop purchased two years ago, they will be reimbursed not for the cost of a new model, but for the current market price of a similar second-hand device.

The changes also affected the amount of the penalty for the untimely return, replacement, or other unfulfilled buyer demands: the total fine cannot now exceed the amount the buyer paid for the goods.

What goods are considered technically complex

The following list of technically complex goods has been approved by a decree of the Government of Russia:

light aircraft, helicopters and aircraft with an internal combustion engine (with an electric motor);

passenger cars, motorcycles, motor scooters and vehicles with an internal combustion engine (with an electric motor) intended for use on public roads;

tractors, walk-behind tractors, motor-cultivators, machines and equipment for agriculture with an internal combustion engine (with an electric motor);

snowmobiles and vehicles with an internal combustion engine (with an electric motor) specifically designed for movement over snow;

sports, tourist, and pleasure craft, motorboats, boats, yachts and floating transport vehicles with an internal combustion engine (with an electric motor);

navigation and wireless communication equipment for household use, including satellite communication, with a touch screen and possessing two or more functions;

system units, stationary and portable computers, including laptops, and personal electronic computers;

laser or inkjet multifunctional devices, monitors with a digital control unit;

satellite television kits, game consoles with a digital control unit;

televisions, projectors with a digital control unit;

digital photo and video cameras, lenses for them, and optical photo and film equipment with a digital control unit;

refrigerators, freezers, combined refrigerator-freezers, dishwashers, automatic washing, drying and washer-dryer machines, coffee machines, food processors, electric and combined gas-electric stoves, electric and combined gas-electric cooktops, electric and combined gas-electric ovens, built-in microwave ovens, robot vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, electric water heaters;

mechanical, electro-mechanical and electronic wrist and pocket watches, with two or more functions;

electrified tools (hand-held and portable electric machines).