Faulty Goods Escalation Calendar — Every Deadline You Must Know

Full CRA 2015 rights begin immediately.

• Keep the receipt or order confirmation
• Note the exact product name and model
• Start the clock — all CRA 2015 deadlines run from this date

Right to full refund without deduction. Strongest position under CRA 2015.

• If you discover a fault: reject immediately in writing
• Send written notice to the retailer citing CRA 2015 s.20
• Do not allow the retailer to attempt a repair during this period — it does not reset the 30 days

Short-term right to reject gone. Repair or replacement rights activated.

• If fault discovered after Day 30: invoke repair/replacement rights under CRA s.23
• Document the fault immediately with dated photos and written description
• Write to the retailer formally within days of discovery

Presumption window active. Chargeback available. Repair/replacement rights active.

• Benefit from the presumption: fault is presumed present at purchase — retailer must prove otherwise
• If repair attempted and fails: activate final right to reject (CRA s.24)
• Chargeback window is typically 120 days from transaction — raise before this closes

Chargeback closes. CRA rights intact. ADR and court remain available.

• Raise chargeback before this date if pursuing via card provider
• After this date: chargeback is typically unavailable
• CRA 2015 rights continue — ADR and county court still open

Presumption expires. You now bear the burden of proving the fault was present at purchase.

• Burden of proof shifts to you after this date
• Commission independent inspection if fault not yet resolved
• Inspector must confirm fault was present at purchase or is a manufacturing defect

CRA rights intact. Independent inspection required. ADR and court available.

• CRA 2015 rights continue but independent evidence is now essential
• ADR schemes are free and available throughout this period
• County court claims can be filed up to 6 years from purchase

Limitation period ends. No further court claims possible.

• After 6 years from purchase, the right to bring a county court claim expires
• Scotland: 5 years under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973
• Act before this date — evidence also deteriorates significantly over time

How long do I have to reject faulty goods in the UK?

Under CRA 2015 s.20, you have 30 days from purchase for the short-term right to reject (full refund). After 30 days, you move into repair/replacement rights under s.23, then final right to reject under s.24. Your rights continue until the 6-year limitation period expires.

How long does the 6-month presumption last?

The 6-month statutory presumption runs from the purchase date. During this window, if a fault appears, the law presumes it was present at purchase and the retailer must prove otherwise. After 6 months, the burden shifts to you.

How long do I have to claim for faulty goods in the UK?

Under the Limitation Act 1980, you have 6 years from purchase to bring a county court claim (5 years in Scotland). This is the outer limit. Act as early as possible — evidence deteriorates and witnesses become less reliable over time.

What is the time limit for a chargeback on faulty goods?

Most card schemes require a chargeback within 120 days of the transaction date or date goods were expected. This is shorter than your CRA 2015 rights — if you miss the chargeback window, CRA rights via ADR and court remain intact.

What happens if I miss the 30-day rejection window?

You lose the short-term right to reject but not your consumer rights overall. You then have the right to require repair or replacement (CRA s.23), and if that fails, the final right to reject (CRA s.24) for a full or partial refund. Act quickly after discovering any fault.