How long does a product's guarantee last?
Yes: movable goods have a 3-year legal guarantee. Since 1 January 2022 (Decree-Law 84/2021, transposing the new EU rules), the legal guarantee for movable goods is 3 years (real property is 10). In the first 2 years, the burden of proof is reversed: the defect is presumed to have existed already, and the seller must prove otherwise; in year 3, the consumer must show it. Remedies follow an order: first repair or replacement (the consumer's choice); then price reduction or refund. Repair/replacement must happen within 30 days and refunds within 14 days, at the seller's cost. In short: 3 years, with strong protection in the first 2.
📋 The rules
- Movable goods: 3 years legal guarantee (property: 10)
- 2 years with reversed burden of proof
- Remedies: first repair/replacement, then refund
- Repair/replacement in 30 days; refund in 14
- Return/repair costs: borne by the seller
🔓 Exceptions
- Second-hand goods: period reducible by written agreement (min. 18 months)
- The producer can be directly liable (art. 23)
- There's no longer a defect-notification deadline
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There isn't really a "fine" in this relationship — what exists is the consumer's right to repair, replacement, price reduction or refund, with costs borne by the seller. If the seller doesn't comply, you can use the Complaints Book, a consumer-arbitration centre or the courts. Beware myths: the "2-year guarantee" is the old rule (DL 67/2003, until end-2021) — it's now 3 years; don't confuse it with the 14-day withdrawal right on distance sales (DL 24/2014); and Brazil's Consumer Code (30/90 days) doesn't apply. To exercise your rights: keep the receipt, report the defect to the seller, and demand repair or replacement within the legal deadlines.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How long does a product's guarantee last?
Movable goods, such as appliances or electronics, have a 3-year legal guarantee since 1 January 2022. Real property has 10 years. This legal guarantee is mandatory and independent of any additional commercial guarantee the seller or brand may offer.
What is the reversed burden of proof?
It means that, in the first 2 years, if a good shows a defect, it's presumed to have existed at the time of purchase, and the seller must prove otherwise. In year 3, the consumer must show the defect is original. It's a strong initial protection.
What am I entitled to if the product fails?
You're entitled, in order, to repair or replacement of the good, at your choice, and, if that doesn't resolve it, to a price reduction or refund. Repair or replacement must happen within 30 days and refunds within 14 days, at the seller's cost.
Is the guarantee still 2 years?
No. The 2-year guarantee was the old rule, in force until end-2021. Since 2022, the legal guarantee for movable goods is 3 years, under Decree-Law 84/2021. It's a common myth to keep talking about a guarantee of only 2 years.
And second-hand products?
Second-hand goods also have a guarantee, but the period can be reduced by written agreement between the parties, to a minimum of 18 months. In that case, the presumption of an original defect applies for 1 year. Without an agreement, the same rules as new goods apply.
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