Under Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2023, most goods sold to UAE consumers carry a statutory warranty, and sellers must honour repair, replacement, or refund for defects. This guide explains the consumer warranty and when you are entitled to a refund.
Contents
The statutory 2-year warranty
FDL 5/2023 requires suppliers to provide a minimum 2-year warranty on most manufactured goods sold to consumers. The warranty covers manufacturing defects, material faults, and non-conformity with stated specifications. It does not cover misuse, accidental damage, normal wear and tear, or failure to follow maintenance instructions.
The 6-month presumption
If a defect appears within the first 6 months of purchase, it is presumed to have existed at the time of sale, and the seller must prove otherwise. After 6 months, the burden shifts to the consumer to show the defect was present at purchase.
Repair, replacement or refund
For a defective product within warranty, your remedies are, in order: (1) free repair; (2) replacement with an equivalent product; and (3) a full refund where repair and replacement are not possible or are not completed within a reasonable time. A seller cannot cycle endlessly between repair and replacement — at some point the right to a refund crystallises.
Change-of-mind returns
There is no general change-of-mind refund right in the UAE — that depends on the retailer’s displayed return policy (many offer 14–30 days). This is separate from your statutory rights, which always apply to defective or misdescribed goods regardless of the store policy.
E-commerce and distance returns
For online and distance purchases, sellers must disclose price, delivery time, warranty, and the return policy up front. You can usually cancel before dispatch, significant delivery delays give a right to cancel and refund, and goods that do not match the website description can be returned at the seller’s expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the consumer warranty period in the UAE?
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2023, most manufactured goods carry a minimum 2-year warranty covering manufacturing defects, material faults, and non-conformity with the stated specifications. It does not cover misuse, accidental damage, or normal wear and tear.
Can I get a refund instead of a repair?
For a defective product, the remedies run in order — repair, then replacement, then a full refund where repair or replacement is impossible or not completed within a reasonable time. A seller cannot cycle indefinitely between repair and replacement; at some point your right to a refund crystallises.
What is the 6-month rule for faulty goods?
If a defect appears within the first 6 months of purchase, it is presumed to have existed at the time of sale and the seller must prove otherwise. After 6 months, the consumer must show the defect was present at purchase.
Do I have a right to return goods if I change my mind?
Not under the law — there is no general change-of-mind return right in the UAE. That depends on the retailer's displayed return policy. Your statutory rights to repair, replacement, or refund apply only to defective or misdescribed goods, regardless of store policy.
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Published 2026-06-28. General information only — not legal advice. Contact us for matter-specific advice.