Bahrain's Consumer Protection Law (Law No. 35 of 2012) gives you rights when you buy a phone, TV, fridge or any other product.
At the time of sale
- The seller must show the price and tell you the warranty period.
- You are entitled to a dated invoice showing the product, its price and the warranty period, if there is one. Keep it, as it is your proof.
- Discounted items keep their warranty during a sale, and the shop must show both the old and the sale price.
If the item is faulty
- The seller must replace it, or take it back and refund you, at no extra cost, when it is defective, does not meet approved standards or does not do what it was sold for.
- An invoice or sign saying "no returns or exchanges" is not allowed.
Spare parts and servicing
- The supplier must provide spare parts and maintenance for a reasonable period for that kind of product. You can agree a set period in writing.
- The supplier is only released from this if it tells you in writing that parts are not available and you accept that.
- Any contract term that removes these duties in advance has no effect.
If the shop refuses: the dispute can go to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce's consumer protection department, which can issue a decision that binds both sides.
The catch: the law does not set a minimum warranty length. The warranty is whatever was stated at sale, so ask for it to be written on the invoice.
Recommended places
- Consumer Protection Center (Ministry of Industry and Commerce)