A warranty claim is a formal claim made by the buyer to the seller during the warranty period due to quality issues with the goods. It typically occurs after delivery when the buyer discovers defects or non-conformity with the contract, and within the warranty period. Key points include: clarifying the warranty period, claim time limit, basis for claim (e.g., inspection report), responsibility allocation (whether it falls within warranty scope), and claim method (repair, replacement, refund, or compensation). Unlike a 'quality claim', a warranty claim specifically refers to quality issues within the warranty period, while a quality claim may involve broader quality disputes not limited to the warranty period. Unlike an 'insurance claim', which is made to an insurance company. Foreign trade practitioners should specify warranty terms clearly in the contract, avoid vague wording, and keep relevant evidence to handle claims efficiently.
📝 Examples
1. The buyer discovered manufacturing defects in some products within 30 days after receiving the goods and filed a warranty claim with the seller, requesting free replacement of the faulty parts. (Note: A claim filed during the warranty period due to manufacturing defects, requesting replacement.)
2. Because the seller did not respond to the warranty claim within the contractually specified warranty period, the buyer repaired the goods themselves and demanded that the seller bear the repair costs. (Note: The seller failed to handle it in time, and the buyer claimed the repair costs after self-repair.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
Foreign trade terms are the foundation of international business communication
Trade practices may vary slightly by country; pay attention when using them
When using terms in contracts, specify the applicable version (e.g., Incoterms 2020)
For unfamiliar terms, use GlobalSync's multilingual email helper to confirm with your partner