Consumers should remember that when goods they purchase turn out to be faulty and cannot be repaired or replaced with similar goods by the seller, they are entitled to a refund of the money paid for the faulty goods.

In such situations, consumers should not accept a credit note and should the seller insist that no refund will be given, then consumers must file a complaint with the Office for Consumer Affairs. When consumers accept a credit note instead of money, they forfeit their right to a refund according to the Consumer Affairs Act.

A credit note is not equivalent to cash. It gives much less flexibility than money because it can only be redeemed at a specific outlet or chain of shops.

Credit notes may be offered by traders as part of their voluntary return policies that allow consumers to change their mind and return unwanted unused goods.

Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority
Office for Consumer Affairs
Mizzi House,
National Road,
Blata l-Bajda
HMR 9010

Freephone: 8007 4400
Tel: 2395 2000
Enquiries: info@mccaa.org.mt
Consumer complaints: fair.trading@mccaa.org.mt
Website: www.mccaa.org.mt

MCCAA office hours for the public:
Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 12.30pm

European Consumer Centre Malta
(For complaints against traders in other EU states)

47A, South Street,
Valletta.
VLT 1101

Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3pm.

Tel: 2122 1901
E-mail: ecc.malta@gov.mt