Philippine draft rules seek 1-year warranty for refurbished devices
The proposal would impose licensing and capital requirements on dealers, while allowing individuals to trade devices in non-commercial quantities.
Buyers of refurbished mobile devices would receive a mandatory 1-year warranty for repairs or replacement under rules proposed by the Philippines’ National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). The agency said its draft would regulate both imports and sales to improve consumer protection.
Under the proposal, licensed dealers would have to supply devices obtained legitimately, with all functions working and compatibility with Philippine mobile networks. Devices would also need sanitisation and a grade indicating their condition. The NTC said the safeguards target risks involving theft, smuggling, unsafe products and inadequate refurbishment.
The requirements would cover applicants for the Dealers Permit for Used, Reconditioned, or Refurbished Mobile Devices (DPURRMD). A minimum capital requirement is intended to give importers and dealers the financial ability to meet warranty obligations while supplying type-approved units that have been properly refurbished, according to the agency.
Private individuals would remain free to trade devices among themselves in quantities that are not commercial. The NTC said it was not seeking to end the second-hand market, but to make quality refurbished products more affordable and accessible, including laptops and units capable of using 4G and 5G.
Procedures for recycling and disposing of unusable devices would also be included. Following public consultation, the NTC said it was assessing stakeholder comments before refining the proposal, weighing industry concerns alongside protection for consumers.
