The Ministry of Commerce has imposed financial penalties on four agents and distributors of electrical and electronic devices who violated the regulations of commercial agencies, including its implementing regulations. The agents failed to comply with provisions related to maintenance, provision of spare parts, ensuring product quality, and offering post-sale services to consumers.
These violations encompassed agents who distribute American, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese electrical and electronic devices.
The infractions involved not adhering to maintenance requirements, lacking documentation detailing the product's condition, failing to uphold quality assurance, not providing suitable replacement products or offering monetary compensation, and not making spare parts available.
The Commercial Agency Law and its implementing regulations stipulate that agents must consistently supply the requested spare parts to consumers, ensure necessary maintenance for products, guarantee product quality, and abide by terms set by manufacturers. This obligation continues throughout the agency's term and for one year after its conclusion or until the appointment of a new agent, whichever occurs earlier, as specified in the implementing regulations.
Additionally, the regulations and executive provisions mandate that agents provide consumers with documentation that outlines the product's structural condition when it is submitted for maintenance. Agents must also safeguard the product during maintenance procedures and take necessary actions and precautions accordingly. Agents will be held accountable in the event of negligence.