When can a store refuse to accept back or exchange unworn clothing? Explained by MART
The Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade of Belarus has explained in detail in which cases buyers can return or exchange new clothing, and when the seller has the legal right to refuse.
Illustrative photo. Photo: Reform.news
The department reminded that, according to the law on consumer protection, a buyer can return or exchange non-food goods of proper quality within 14 days. The period is counted not from the day of purchase, but from the day following the transfer of the goods. At the same time, the seller has no right to shorten this period, although they can, on their own initiative, make it longer.
Upon return, the buyer can ask to exchange the item for a similar one or choose a product of a different size, style, color, shape, or configuration. If the price of the new item differs, the seller must make the appropriate recalculation.
However, only goods that have not been used, have retained their consumer properties, and show signs of a new product can be returned or exchanged. It is also necessary to have proof of purchase — this can be a cash receipt or a product receipt, and in some cases, other evidence that the goods were purchased in that store.
MART specifically drew attention to a common mistake made by buyers. If a person cuts off tags or labels from clothing, even without having worn it, the seller may refuse a return. This is because without these elements, the item is already considered to have lost its consumer properties as new.
In addition, there is a separate list of goods of proper quality that are not subject to return or exchange, regardless of whether they were used or not.
Such products include underwear, linen for infants and toddlers, hosiery, corset products, and knitted underwear. That is why pajamas and other similar products cannot be returned to the store.
At the same time, MART noted that swimwear falls into a different category of goods — it is considered sportswear. Therefore, general rules for return and exchange apply to them. If the swimsuit has not been used, has retained its commercial appearance and all necessary elements, the buyer has the right to return or exchange it within the period established by law.
The department also emphasized that refusing to return swimwear solely on the grounds that it resembles underwear is unlawful. Such actions may indicate a violation of consumer rights by the seller.
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