Consumer Purchases and Warranties in Iceland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Icelandic law gives consumers strong warranty rights when purchasing goods:
- 2-year minimum warranty: You have the right to complain about defective goods for at least 2 years from purchase.
- Extended period for durable goods: For goods with a substantially longer expected lifespan (e.g., appliances, furniture), the complaint period may extend up to 5 years — depending on the nature of the product.
- 6-month presumption: If a defect appears within 6 months of delivery, it is presumed to have existed at the time of purchase — the seller must prove otherwise.
- Notification deadline: You must notify the seller of defects as soon as possible, with a minimum of 2 months from when the defect became apparent.
- Remedies (in order): Repair at seller's expense, replacement (if not unreasonably costly), or price reduction/refund.
- The seller may not attempt to remedy the same defect more than twice.
When does it apply?
- You purchased a consumer good from a business (not between private individuals).
- The product is defective — it does not conform to what was agreed or reasonably expected.
What to Do If You Buy a Defective Product in Iceland
- Notify the seller in writing as soon as you discover the defect — within 2 months at most.
- Keep your receipt or proof of purchase.
- If the seller refuses to repair, replace, or refund, file a complaint with the Consumer Complaints Committee (Kærunefnd vöru- og þjónustukaupa).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't wait too long — you must complain within 2 months of discovering the defect.
- Don't accept a manufacturer's 1-year guarantee as your only recourse — your statutory 2-year (or 5-year) warranty is separate and cannot be waived.
- Don't discard the defective product before the dispute is resolved.
Common Questions
How long is the warranty on products bought in Iceland?
Under the Consumer Purchases Act (Lög nr. 48/2003), you have at least 2 years to complain about defective goods from the date of purchase. For goods with a substantially longer expected lifespan — such as appliances and furniture — the complaint period may extend to 5 years, depending on the nature of the product. This statutory warranty cannot be waived by a manufacturer's shorter guarantee.
What is the 6-month rule for Icelandic product defects?
If a defect appears within 6 months of delivery, it is presumed to have existed at the time of purchase. The seller must prove otherwise — so within that window you do not have to prove anything; the burden is on the seller. You must still notify the seller of the defect as soon as possible, with a minimum of 2 months from when the defect became apparent.
What remedies do I get for a faulty product in Iceland?
In order: repair at the seller's expense, replacement (if not unreasonably costly), or price reduction / refund. The seller may not attempt to remedy the same defect more than twice. Notify the seller in writing, keep your receipt, and if the seller refuses, file a complaint with the Consumer Complaints Committee (Kærunefnd vöru- og þjónustukaupa).
When does it apply — consumer purchases and warranties?
You purchased a consumer good from a business (not between private individuals).The product is defective — it does not conform to what was agreed or reasonably expected.
What should I do if a product I bought in Iceland is faulty or broken shortly after purchase?
Notify the seller in writing as soon as you discover the defect — within 2 months at most.Keep your receipt or proof of purchase.If the seller refuses to repair, replace, or refund, file a complaint with the Consumer Complaints Committee (Kærunefnd vöru- og þjónustukaupa).
What should you NOT do — consumer purchases and warranties?
Don't wait too long — you must complain within 2 months of discovering the defect.Don't accept a manufacturer's 1-year guarantee as your only recourse — your statutory 2-year (or 5-year) warranty is separate and cannot be waived.Don't discard the defective product before the dispute is resolved.