DTI issues warning on used products

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) warned yesterday buyers of second-hand or used goods, saying such products do not carry any guaranty and cannot be returned or replaced if they turn out to be defective.

The DTI is advising consumers to ask for express warranty on second-hand or used products, if they are to bind sellers to make good on such warranty.

The DTI stressed that as a general rule, there is no implied warranty in the sale of second-hand articles.

The sale of second-hand goods are increasing in popularity, but so are the complaints against such products and their sellers.

The DTI is the government agency that is authorized to settle disputes arising from the sale of such used goods.

However, complaints on used products sold by persons not engaged in the business of selling products, commodities, merchandise and goods are not under the jurisdiction of the DTI but under the regular courts.

The DTI is mandated to implement and enforce rules and regulations regarding other consumer products not falling within the jurisdiction of the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture.

The DOH is involved in rules regarding food, drugs, cosmetics, devices and substances.

The DA has jurisdiction over products related to agriculture.

The DTI had issued a similar warning on the purchase of auctioned used vehicles which also do not carry any guaranty and do not meet safety standards to boot.

Second hand appliances could also be defective and not meet electrical safety standards.