How long is the warranty period for a purchase?

When you buy something, you have a legal right to a product that performs as you would reasonably expect. In the Netherlands, there is no fixed warranty period, but the law does protect you. How long that protection lasts depends on what you have bought and what is reasonable to expect.

Last checked: March 2026. Legal information is subject to change — always check the current legislation at wetten.nl.

What does the law say?

Many people think that a warranty always lasts exactly one or two years. That is not entirely correct. The law distinguishes between two types of protection: the statutory warranty and the commercial warranty.

The statutory warranty is set out in the Civil Code. Article 7:17 of the Civil Code (check this article on wetten.nl for the most up-to-date version) states that a product must comply with the contract. The product must do what you were entitled to expect based on the purchase. If it does not, legal experts refer to this as non-conformity — in plain language: the product is faulty.

Article 7:21 of the Civil Code (check this article on wetten.nl for the most up-to-date version) gives you, as the buyer, the right to repair or replacement if the product is faulty. If that is not possible, or is it not reasonable? Then you can have the price reduced or cancel the purchase.

But how long does this apply? The law does not specify a fixed period. Instead, the rule is: for as long as is reasonable for that specific product. A washing machine normally lasts ten years. A pair of trainers perhaps two years. The court will consider what you, as a consumer, could reasonably expect from that purchase.

Important: you must report complaints within a reasonable time. Article 7:23 of the Dutch Civil Code (check this article on wetten.nl for the most up-to-date version) states that you must complain within two months of discovering the defect. If you do so later, you may lose your rights.

In addition to statutory protection, there is also the commercial warranty. This is the warranty promised by the manufacturer or shop itself — for example, ‘a two-year warranty on this device’. This warranty applies in addition to your statutory rights, not instead of them.

Since 2022, special rules have also applied to digital products and services. See the Civil Code for the exact provisions regarding updates and software warranties, as this is a relatively new area.

When does this apply to you?

The statutory warranty almost always applies when you buy something as a consumer. That means: you are buying something for private use, from a company or shop. Are you buying something from a private individual via Marktplaats? Then different rules apply and you have less protection.

A few specific examples:

Laptop broken after 14 months? The commercial warranty may have expired, but the statutory protection may still apply. A laptop should last longer than 14 months.
Clothes fading after three washes? That’s not what you should expect. You can make a complaint, even without a warranty certificate.
Television stops working after three years? This depends on the brand and the price. A cheap TV costing 150 euros has a different lifespan to a premium model costing 1,500 euros.
Shoes wearing out after two months? If you wear them normally, you’re entitled to expect more. Report it to the shop.

Please note: for complaints made within the first twelve months, the seller must prove that the product was already faulty on delivery. After twelve months, the burden of proof lies with you. This makes it more difficult in practice to complain later on.

Did you buy something online? Then you also have a 14-day cooling-off period. This is a separate right, distinct from the warranty. You can simply return the product without giving a reason.

Are you buying something for your business, as an entrepreneur? In that case, consumer rules do not automatically apply. The protection is then more limited. You are dependent on what is stated in the contract.

Step-by-step guide — what can you do now?

Check the defect. Describe exactly what is wrong. Does the product not work, does it look different, or does it do something other than what was promised?
Act quickly. Report the fault within two months of discovering it. If you wait longer, you may lose your rights.
Contact the seller. Go to the shop or send an email. Explain what is wrong and ask for repair, replacement or a refund.
Keep a written record of everything. Preferably send an email. That way, you’ll have proof of your complaint and the date you made it.
Keep your proof of purchase. A receipt, invoice or order confirmation is extremely helpful. Without proof, it is harder to demonstrate when you bought the item and what you paid.
Can’t resolve the issue? Submit a complaint to the Disputes Committee (degeschillencommissie.nl) if the seller is a member. Or contact the Legal Advice Centre for free advice.
Consider taking the matter to the Small Claims Court. For amounts up to €25,000, you can go to the Small Claims Court without a solicitor. This is a last resort, but sometimes necessary.

Common mistakes

Thinking that a warranty only lasts for one or two years. Commercial warranties have a fixed term, but statutory protection is broader. A product must last as long as is reasonable.
Complaining too late. If you discover a fault, you must raise the issue within two months. If you wait too long, you lose your rights. So do not delay.
Thinking you need the warranty certificate. Your statutory rights always apply, even without a warranty card. Your proof of purchase is what counts.
Accepting that the shop says ‘the warranty has expired’. A shop may say that about the commercial warranty. But your statutory rights exist separately from that. Don’t let them fob you off.
Forgetting that the retailer is responsible, not the manufacturer. You have a contract with the shop, not with the manufacturer. Always address your complaint to the retailer first.

Frequently asked questions

How long am I entitled to a warranty in the Netherlands?

There is no fixed statutory warranty period. You are entitled to a product that works as you would reasonably expect. How long that is depends on the product. A washing machine should last longer than a pair of socks. The manufacturer’s commercial warranty does have a fixed term, but that is different from your statutory right.

What is the difference between a statutory warranty and a commercial warranty?

The statutory warranty is the right granted to you by law. The product must meet your reasonable expectations. The commercial warranty is the guarantee promised by the manufacturer or shop itself, such as a ‘two-year warranty’. This commercial warranty is in addition to your statutory rights. They do not replace one another.

Do I need to keep my receipt for the warranty?

You don’t need to keep a warranty card, but proof of purchase is very useful. This could be a receipt, invoice, email confirmation or bank statement. This proves when you bought the item and from whom. Without proof of purchase, it becomes difficult, but it isn’t always mandatory.

What if the shop says the warranty has expired?

The shop is referring to the commercial warranty. However, your statutory rights exist independently of this. Ask the shop explicitly whether they are taking your statutory rights under Article 7:17 of the Dutch Civil Code into account. Do not let them simply turn you away. If you disagree, you can contact the Disputes Committee or the Legal Advice Centre.

Does the warranty also apply to online purchases?

Yes, absolutely. The same warranty rights apply to online purchases. Furthermore, with online purchases you also have a 14-day cooling-off period. This is a separate right: you may simply return the product without giving a reason, provided you do so within 14 days.

Relevant legal provisions

Article 7:17 of the Civil Code — requirement of conformity (Civil Code)
Section 7:21 of the Civil Code — rights in the event of non-conformity (Civil Code)
Article 7:23 of the Civil Code — two-month complaint period (Civil Code)
Article 7:6a of the Civil Code — warranty and burden of proof (Civil Code)

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