How long is warranty on products in the Netherlands?

There is no fixed warranty period for products under Dutch law. You have the right to a product that lasts as long as you may reasonably expect based on the price, quality and type of product. This is important to know, as many consumers think warranty automatically expires after one or two years in the Netherlands.

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The short answer

The warranty period depends on what you may reasonably expect from a product under Dutch law. For an expensive smartphone, for example, you expect it to last longer than a cheap one. With a washing machine costing €800, you may expect it to function for at least 5-7 years. If a product breaks earlier than reasonable, you have the right to repair, replacement or (partial) refund. The seller must prove that the defect did not exist at the time of sale.

What does Dutch law say?

The Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek) stipulates that products must meet what you may expect. Article 7:17 BW (Dutch Civil Code) states that delivered goods must conform to the agreement. This means they must have the properties you may expect. In case of non-conformity, you have the right to performance, dissolution or damages. Dutch law gives no fixed terms, but looks at reasonable expectations.

1Article 7:17 BW (Dutch Civil Code): products must meet reasonable expectations

2Article 7:21 BW (Dutch Civil Code): right to repair, replacement or refund for defects

3Article 7:23 BW (Dutch Civil Code): seller must prove within 6 months that defect was not present at sale

What should you watch out for?

Pay careful attention to what you may reasonably expect from your product in the Netherlands. This depends on the price, brand, quality and how the product is presented. Always keep your proof of purchase and document any problems well. Some shops voluntarily give extra warranty on top of your legal rights under Dutch law.

1Price and quality partly determine expected lifespan

2Keep your proof of purchase and warranty certificates

3Document defects with photos and descriptions

4Distinguish legal warranty from voluntary shop warranty

Example from practice

Suppose you buy a laptop for €1,200 that breaks after 18 months due to a technical defect. The shop says the warranty has expired, but that's incorrect under Dutch law. From a laptop of this price, you may expect it to last at least 3-4 years with normal use. You therefore still have the right to repair or replacement. The shop must prove that you used the laptop incorrectly, not the other way around.

What can you do?

Contact the seller as soon as you discover a defect. Explain why the product does not meet your reasonable expectations under Dutch law and ask for repair or replacement.

1Report the defect directly to the seller with proof of purchase

2Explain why the product broke too early

3Ask for repair, replacement or (partial) refund

Conclusion

Your warranty lasts as long as you may reasonably expect a product to last under Dutch law. This depends on price, quality and product type. Don't let yourself be fobbed off with stories about 'expired warranty' - your legal rights as an expat in the Netherlands go much further than many people think.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does warranty differ per product type in the Netherlands?

What if the shop says warranty has expired?

Should I go to the shop or to the manufacturer?

Does this also apply to second-hand products?

What if the product is broken through my own fault?

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