Glossary · Consumer purchase law

3D printing

Statutory warranty (legal guarantee)

Your statutory right against the seller if a purchased device already had a defect at handover. When buying from a retailer, it applies for two years.

Explained in more detail

The statutory warranty, called liability for defects (Mängelhaftung) in the law, is governed by sales law in the German Civil Code (BGB), supplemented by the rules on consumer goods sales for purchases by consumers from businesses. If the goods are defective on delivery, the buyer can first demand remedy, that is repair or replacement, and then, in some circumstances, withdrawal, a price reduction or damages. Under § 438 BGB, claims expire two years after delivery. For used goods, a business may shorten the period to one year for consumers. Under § 476 BGB this is only valid if the buyer was specifically informed before the purchase and the shortening is agreed expressly and separately in the contract. In private sales, the statutory warranty can be excluded entirely. The seller is always liable, never the manufacturer. This summary applies to German law and is not legal advice.

Where does the term come from?

"Gewähr leisten" means to stand behind something. The German Civil Code (BGB) now speaks of liability for defects and the buyer's rights in the event of defects, but in everyday use the older term "Gewährleistung" has persisted.

In practice

• Make the complaint to the seller, not the manufacturer. Who sold it is on the invoice.
• Keep the invoice, as it proves the purchase date and the seller.
• If a seller fraudulently conceals a defect, according to the consumer advice centre you still have claims for three years from the point you learn of it, even if the statutory warranty was excluded.
• Normal wear of wearing parts such as nozzles, films or print plates is not a defect. A statutory warranty case exists if the part was already faulty at handover.

Not to be confused

Statutory warranty is not the same as manufacturer's warranty: the statutory warranty is required by law and is directed against the seller. A manufacturer's warranty is usually given voluntarily by the manufacturer, on its own terms and in addition.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have a statutory warranty on a 3D printer?

If you buy as a consumer from a retailer, two years from handover. For used devices the retailer can shorten it to one year if they state this specifically before the purchase and agree it separately. In a private sale it is often excluded.

Do I have to contact the manufacturer?

No. You direct statutory warranty claims to the seller. If they refer you to the manufacturer's support, you can use it but do not have to.