Armenian consumers ready to defend their rights

PanARMENIAN.Net - Launched on Jan 1, 2009 Winning Ticket checking machine lottery had a positive effect on consumer protection process, Head of State Committee for Consumer Protection, Abgar Yegoyan told a news conference today.



"The lottery was organized to support to Public Revenue Committee. According to article 16 of RA Consumer Protection Law effective from 2001, if sold defective products, consumers are entitled to claim either of the following: product repair or pecuniary compensation; product price reduction; product replacement; alternative product replacement with price recalculation; termination of purchase and sale agreement entitling the consumer to compensation for injuries caused by defective product. Thus, for example, even low-cost foodstuffs can harm the consumer's health or cause poisoning. So, to be able defend their rights, it's absolutely necessary for consumers to claim their CMT checks," he said.



Abgar Yegoyan also mentioned that defective products can be replaced during 14 days within the purchase if the product in question wasn't used, the original packaging was retained and if the customer can produce a CMT ticket.



Products not subject to replacement are: personal care products, knitted wear, plastic food containers, perfumery, medicines, home appliances, cars, precious and semi-precious metals, stones and stones and stone products, animals and plants.



Abgar Yegoyan is confident that Armenian consumers are ready to defend their rights. Thus, last year 880 consumer claims were registered, and 80 percent of claims were satisfied. On the opposite side, he added, the vendors are addressing us demanding to resolve differences.

State Committee for Consumer Protection is also ready to consult businessman on Consumer Protection legislation.



The state lottery aims at reduction of shady turnover and rising of consumer rights awareness among Armenian population. SMT lottery fund totaled AMD 15 million ($ 376 700) to be distributed among 10 000 winners. At present 45 000 SMT are installed at sale points in Armenia. The first drawing was held on Feb 6.