Apple threatened with a ban over warranty dispute

Apple fails to comply with Italian consumer code

Jeremy Proome

July 5, 2012

Apple may face a potential ban in Italy, for failing to comply with the country’s two-year warranty requirement.

The claims come from Italy’s Antitrust Authority, which opened proceedings against Apple earlier this week.

Apple has been offering its standard one year of support, and urging customers to buy AppleCare Protection plans for long-term coverage, but the company wasn’t in compliance with Italy’s 2005 Consumer Code which stipulates two year warranty rights.

Apple may face hefty fines or even be suspended from selling its products in Italy.

“Apple has 30 days to present its counter-arguments and it could face a fine of up to a $189,000 for each of the two practices under examination,” antitrust spokeswoman Emanuela Goggiomani told IDG. “If the company continues to breach the Antitrust Authority’s order, further proceedings could lead to a 30-day suspension of trading in Italy.”