Implementation of the "Three Guarantees" Policy for Household Automotive Products on October 1, 2013

On October 1, 2013, the "Regulations on the Liability for Repair, Replacement, and Return of Household Automotive Products" (commonly referred to as the "Three Guarantees" policy) was officially implemented. According to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ), 63 automobile manufacturers, 5,374 models, and 22,956 sales outlets have already registered their "Three Guarantees" information. Consumers can now check the "Three Guarantees" information of specific brands and models on the official website "China Automotive Three Guarantees Network." It is important to note that unauthorized vehicle modifications and maintenance at non-designated repair stations will void the "Three Guarantees" coverage. Automotive industry expert Zhang Zhiyong, in an interview with China News Service Automotive Channel, emphasized that the "Three Guarantees" policy serves as a legal basis for consumer rights protection and does not imply that consumers can arbitrarily return or exchange vehicles. The basis for choosing a car should be the brand's reputation, not the "Three Guarantees" information.

Consumers Can Now Check Vehicle "Three Guarantees" Information Online

Li Benjun, Deputy Director of the AQSIQ News Office, recently informed the media that the "Three Guarantees" expert management system and the registration and publication management system are now fully operational. These systems handle the registration, disclosure, and retrieval of "Three Guarantees" information from automobile manufacturers. The system for handling "Three Guarantees" disputes has also completed testing, and regional dispute resolution agencies will use it to submit dispute cases.

Consumers can check their vehicle's "Three Guarantees" information by visiting the official platform "China Automotive Three Guarantees Network." This platform provides public access to "Three Guarantees" information. By entering the manufacturer, brand, and model, consumers can view the specific quality assurance terms, sales and repair outlet information, and "Three Guarantees" details, such as the duration or mileage of the warranty, and the warranty period for parts like bulbs and tires.

"Three Guarantees" Policy: Unauthorized Modifications and Non-Designated Maintenance Are Not Covered

Although the "Three Guarantees" policy protects consumer rights to some extent, consumers must adhere to certain rules to retain coverage. Firstly, vehicles should not be modified without authorization: Some owners like to modify their cars for a more personalized appearance. However, the "Three Guarantees" policy clearly states that if the user manual explicitly prohibits modifications, adjustments, or disassembly, and the consumer performs such actions causing damage, the operator can refuse to provide "Three Guarantees" services. (Note from Recall Network Editor: This statement is incorrect. If the manufacturer explicitly prohibits modifications in certain areas, and the consumer modifies those areas, only the parts damaged due to the modification are not covered under the "Three Guarantees" policy.)

Additionally, maintenance must be performed at designated repair stations to remain under the "Three Guarantees" coverage. Some owners try to save money by using external repair shops or doing maintenance themselves. The "Three Guarantees" policy states that if the consumer fails to use, maintain, or repair the product as required by the user manual, causing damage, the operator can refuse to provide "Three Guarantees" services. This means that to enjoy "Three Guarantees" benefits, car owners must conduct regular maintenance at the officially designated repair stations within the coverage period. (Note from Recall Network Editor: This statement is incorrect. The "Three Guarantees" policy does not restrict consumers to authorized repair shops for maintenance or repairs. Consumers can choose other repair shops, but if improper maintenance or repairs cause damage, only the affected parts are not covered under the "Three Guarantees" policy.)

When returning or exchanging a vehicle, the consumer must bear the "depreciation fee," meaning the compensation for usage must be paid by the consumer. The "Three Guarantees" policy stipulates that besides meeting the conditions for free replacement or return, if the consumer chooses to replace or return the vehicle, they should pay reasonable compensation for the use of the vehicle. This implies that if there is a quality issue and the consumer decides to replace or return the vehicle, the amount received might be less than the purchase price on the invoice.

Expert Advice: Consumers Should Focus on Brand Reputation, Not "Three Guarantees" Information

Automotive industry expert Zhang Zhiyong, in an interview with China News Service Automotive Channel, pointed out that while there have been doubts about some details of the "Three Guarantees" policy, it should be understood as a necessary regulation emerging from the development of China's automotive industry, balancing various interests. The "Three Guarantees" policy serves as a legal safeguard for consumer rights and will inevitably reveal gaps and loopholes during implementation, requiring continuous improvement over time.

Zhang Zhiyong also advised consumers that the "Three Guarantees" policy is a legal basis for consumer rights protection but does not allow for arbitrary returns or exchanges. Consumers can check the "Three Guarantees" registration information online before selecting a vehicle, but the primary criterion should be the brand’s quality and after-sales service reputation. The "Three Guarantees" policy serves as a legal reference when quality issues arise. Consumers should also be aware of the policy’s terms, as problems caused by subjective misoperation are not covered.