ISO 22059-2020 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 22059:2020 — Guidelines on consumer warranties/guarantees. This International Standard specifies the form and content of warranties and guarantees that a manufacturer and/or supplier can use to meet reasonable consumer expectations for products, including provisions on duration, exclusions, remedies and presentation of warranty terms.

Abstract

This document provides guidance for drafting clear, fair and consistent consumer warranties/guarantees applicable to transactions between businesses and consumers (including online transactions) for new and used products and for products associated with services. It defines categories of warranties, required information, typical exclusions and recommended remedies to promote transparency and consumer confidence.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard, confirmed).
• Publication date: January 2020 (Edition 1, 2020-01).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 03.080.30 (Consumer services / consumer protection).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2020).
• Number of pages: 11 (ISO published PDF).

Scope

ISO 22059:2020 applies to warranties and guarantees offered by manufacturers and suppliers to consumers. It covers the recommended form and essential content of such warranties, their categories (for example ownership, conformity to description or sample, fitness for purpose, repair/spare parts, inspection), typical exclusions, the statement of duration and the remedial options available to consumers and suppliers. The standard is intended for business-to-consumer transactions worldwide, including e-commerce and sales of products associated with services.

Key topics and requirements

• Essential elements and presentation of warranty/guarantee documents (clear, concise wording and identifiable terms).
• Classification of warranty types: ownership/legitimate title, quality, fitness for a particular purpose, conformity to description or sample, repair and spare parts, inspection and fast/express warranties.
• Specification of warranty duration and start date, including treatment of new vs used products.
• Typical exclusions and limitations that should be disclosed (e.g., misuse, normal wear and tear) and how exclusions must be communicated.
• Remedies and claims handling: remedies available to consumers, responsibilities of manufacturers and distributors, and suggested remedial processes.
• Guidance on coordination between manufacturer and reseller obligations and on avoiding conflicting warranty statements.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, product and legal teams, consumer-protection agencies, regulators and standards bodies to design, review and harmonize warranty documents and internal claims procedures. It is also a reference for policymakers and consumer-rights organizations when evaluating or drafting national guidance on warranties and guarantees.

Related standards

ISO 22059:2020 complements other consumer-related ISO and national standards such as guidance on supplier practices and recalls (examples include ISO consumer-protection guidance documents). Several countries have adopted or aligned national standards to ISO 22059 (for example national adoptions and equivalents have been published, including a Chinese national adoption and national committee activities in Europe). Regional and national bodies (BS, UNI and others) have produced versions or guidance reflecting ISO 22059 principles.

Keywords

consumer warranty, guarantee, warranties and guarantees, consumer protection, warranty terms, remedies, warranty duration, manufacturer responsibility, retailer responsibility, e-commerce warranties

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 22059:2020 is an international guideline that specifies the recommended form and content for consumer warranties and guarantees so they meet reasonable consumer expectations and provide clarity for suppliers and manufacturers.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers types of warranties (ownership, quality, fitness for purpose, conformity to description/sample, repair/spares, inspection), what information a warranty should contain, typical exclusions, duration rules, and recommended remedies and claims handling processes.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, distributors, retailers, legal and product teams, consumer-protection agencies, regulators, standards bodies and organizations involved in drafting or harmonizing warranty policies and consumer-facing documents.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 22059:2020 was published in January 2020 and is an active International Standard; it was issued as Edition 1 (2020) and stands as the current guideline unless superseded or revised by a later ISO decision.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone ISO guideline produced by ISO/PC 303 on consumer warranties and guarantees, but it is related in subject matter to other ISO and national consumer-protection standards and to documents addressing product safety, supplier guidance and product recalls.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Consumer warranty, guarantee, warranty duration, exclusions, remedies, conformity to description, fitness for purpose, manufacturer responsibility, retailer obligations, e-commerce warranties.