Consumer Rights Act 2022
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Irish Acts of the Oireachtas, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
Irish National Law
What is this right?
The Consumer Rights Act 2022 is the main law protecting consumers in Ireland when buying goods, services, or digital content. It replaced much of the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980. Key protections include:
- Goods must be: In conformity with the contract, fit for purpose, of satisfactory quality, and match any description, sample, or model.
- Services must be: Performed with reasonable care and skill, in conformity with any pre-contractual information, and completed within a reasonable time.
- Digital content and services (apps, streaming, cloud storage) are now explicitly covered for the first time.
If goods are faulty, you have a hierarchy of remedies: repair or replacement first, then a price reduction or full refund if those fail.
When does it apply?
- You bought goods, services, or digital content as a consumer (i.e., for personal, not business, use) from a trader.
- Applies to purchases made in-store, online, by phone, or at your door.
- The trader has 2 years from delivery to be held liable for defects that existed at the time of delivery.
- In the first 12 months, any defect is presumed to have existed at delivery — the trader must prove otherwise.
What should you do?
- Contact the trader first — explain the problem and what remedy you want (repair, replacement, or refund).
- Put your complaint in writing (email is fine) — keep a copy.
- If the trader refuses, contact the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) for advice at ccpc.ie or call 01 402 5555.
- You can use the Small Claims Procedure through the District Court for claims up to €2,000 — the fee is just €25.
- Keep your receipts — but a bank or card statement is also acceptable as proof of purchase.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't accept a credit note if you are entitled to a refund — a credit note is a goodwill gesture, not a substitute for your legal rights.
- Don't assume "no refunds" signs are valid — they do not override your statutory rights.
- Don't delay — report defects promptly. Unreasonable delay can weaken your claim.
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