Know Your Rights

Defective Products and Consumer Remedies

Consumers may have rights to repair, replacement or refund when goods are defective, unsafe or fail applicable standards.

General information only

This resource does not constitute legal advice for your individual case.

What you should know

A shop sign or sales term does not necessarily remove rights given to consumers by law. Under Sierra Leone's Consumer Protection Act, 2020, consumers can have remedies where goods are defective, unsafe or fail required standards.

In qualifying circumstances, the Act provides for repair, replacement or refund. The remedy can depend on matters such as when the goods were supplied, the nature of the defect and whether the goods were misused or abused.

Keep your receipt, warranty, photographs, messages with the seller and the defective item where safe to do so. Contact the supplier promptly and seek advice if the dispute is not resolved.

Your circumstances matter.

Legal rights and available remedies depend on the facts of each situation. Contact A4A if you need advice about how the law applies to you.

When to seek help

If you are unsure how the law applies to your circumstances, if your rights may have been infringed, or if you have been arrested, detained, threatened or placed at immediate risk, seek legal assistance.

Legal reference points

  • Consumer Protection Act, 2020

For Sierra Leone legislation, judgments and other primary legal materials, use an authoritative source such as SierraLII. The legislation that applies to an individual matter may change or depend on the facts.

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