MagnusonMoss

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a United States federal law enacted in 1975 to regulate warranties on consumer products and to protect consumers from deceptive warranty practices. It established minimum standards for how warranties are disclosed and how they must be honored, while leaving the specific terms of warranties to individual warrantors and state law.

Scope and key provisions: The act covers written warranties on consumer products and defines terms such as "written warranty," "full warranty," and "limited warranty." It requires warrantors to clearly and conspicuously disclose essential terms, including what is covered, what is not, remedies available, and any time limits. Full warranties must meet certain criteria, such as providing remedy without charge for repair or replacement within a reasonable period and not imposing unreasonable limits on the repair process. Limited warranties may specify more restricted remedies or conditions. The act prohibits deceptive or misleading warranty practices and ensures that warranty terms are accessible to consumers before purchase and in plain language.

Enforcement and impact: The Federal Trade Commission enforces the act with respect to warranties offered by manufacturers and sellers, and the statute interacts with state lemon laws and consumer-protection laws. While the act does not require warranty coverage, it constrains how warranties can be presented and promises honored, providing a framework for private and governmental remedies when warranties are breached. The Magnuson-Moss Act has contributed to greater transparency and consistency in warranty disclosures across the United States.

Etymology and history: The act is named for its sponsors, notably Senator Warren G. Magnuson and Representative John Moss, and was enacted in 1975 as part of broader consumer-protection legislation. It is codified at 15 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.