Québec has published the final regulation setting out new product warranty obligations that will apply to a range of consumer goods sold or leased in the province.

The regulation, released on 17 December 2025, implements specific durations for the newly established warranty of good working order and detailed disclosure requirements for merchants and manufacturers.

It will take effect on 5 October 2026 alongside corresponding amendments to the Consumer Protection Act.

New warranty durations and coverage for consumer goods

The regulation clarifies how long certain goods must be guaranteed to remain in good working order, a form of legal warranty designed to reinforce basic consumer protections in Québec’s retail market.

Products covered include major appliances such as ranges, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and washing machines, as well as consumer electronics like televisions, computers, tablets, mobile phones and video game consoles.

Under the new rules, the minimum periods for the warranty of good working order are:

• Six years for ranges, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and heat pumps.
• Five years for dishwashers, washing machines and dryers.
• Four years for television sets.
• Three years for desktop and laptop computers, electronic tablets, cellular telephones and video game consoles.

During these periods, merchants or manufacturers must repair goods at their own cost if they malfunction, including both parts and labour. Reasonable transport or shipping costs related to repairs are also to be assumed by the responsible party.

Disclosure obligations for merchants and manufacturers

The regulation establishes obligations to disclose warranty information at multiple points in the sales process.

Manufacturers are required to provide clear and prominent online disclosures of the duration of the warranty of good working order before a contract is concluded with a consumer.

Merchants must indicate warranty duration prominently near advertised prices or retail values before contract formation.

In addition, merchants offering additional or extended warranties must first give consumers written notice of the existence and duration of the statutory warranty of good working order that applies to the product.

Failure to provide mandatory notices may affect the validity of extended warranty contracts and could allow consumers to cancel them without penalty.

Implications for retail compliance and operations

The regulatory changes stem from Québec’s 2023 legislative reforms aimed at addressing planned obsolescence and strengthening consumer rights around product durability and repairability.

The introduction of fixed warranty durations and structured disclosure requirements adds a compliance dimension for retailers and manufacturers operating in the province.

Industry stakeholders are expected to review internal systems, product information, labelling, and contractual practices well before the October 2026 implementation date to ensure compliance.

Failure to meet the new rules could lead to consumer disputes, administrative enforcement actions or financial liability under Québec’s consumer protection framework.