Warranty, Recupel, cancellation and after-sales service: your rights in Belgium
Statutory guarantee, manufacturer's guarantee, extended cover, Recupel, cancellation: when buying a big appliance, it's easy to mix it all up. Here, in plain language, is what Belgian law guarantees you, what the brands add, how taking back your old appliance works, and what to do if something goes wrong.
- Legal guarantee : 2 years, owed by the seller
- Manufacturer warranties : often parts only, read the terms
- Recupel : free take-back of a similar old appliance
- Online : 14 days to cancel, depending on the sales terms
The 2-year legal guarantee
In Belgium, every new good sold by a trader to a consumer comes with a 2-year legal guarantee of conformity, which is mandatory and free. It runs from delivery, that is, the day you take possession of the appliance.
- It is owed by the seller, not by the manufacturer. You therefore go to the shop, which then arranges for the brand's technical service to get involved.
- The burden of proof lies with the seller during the 2 years: since 1 June 2022, it is up to the seller to prove that the fault did not exist at delivery (previously, this presumption only applied for 6 months).
- Report the fault promptly : within 2 months of noticing it.
- The solutions : first repair or replacement; if that is impossible or disproportionate, a price reduction or a refund.
- Second-hand appliance : the period can be reduced by contract, to a minimum of 1 year, if you are clearly informed of this.
The guarantee does not cover damage caused by poor installation, misuse, impact or normal wear of consumable parts (filters, seals worn after years...). If you disagree, keep a written record of your exchanges.
The right to repair, what's coming
An EU directive of 2024 on the right to repair (Directive (EU) 2024/1799) was to be transposed by Member States by 31 July 2026. It provides, in particular, to extend the legal guarantee by 12 months when the customer opts for repair rather than replacement. At the time of writing, we have not found an official source confirming the state of transposition in Belgium: check with the FPS Economy or ask us.
Manufacturers' commercial warranties
On top of the legal guarantee, many brands offer a commercial guarantee. It is optional, never replaces the legal guarantee, and its terms vary widely. Three questions to ask: what is covered (parts only, or labour and call-out)? do you need to register the appliance, and within what time frame? until when is the offer valid ?
| Brand | What is announced in Belgium (October 2026) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch and Siemens | Washing machine motor guaranteed for 10 years; dishwasher tub guaranteed for 10 years against corrosion; 5 years free from 4 integrated appliances; Siemens: 10 years on certain Total noFrost iQ500 and iQ700 fridge-freezers bought from 1 April to 31 December 2026 | Registration often required; paid extensions offered |
| Samsung | Digital Inverter motor (washing machine) and Digital Inverter compressor (cooling): 10 years | Parts only; labour and call-out charged after 2 years |
| LG | 2 years, then a further 8 years on parts: Direct Drive motor, Linear and Smart Inverter compressors, tumble dryer compressor | Parts only after 2 years; LG Premium Care Plus extension to be taken out within 30 days |
| Haier | 10 years on parts for purchases made from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2026, to be activated within 60 days | Labour charged after 2 years, by flat rate; extension into 2027 not confirmed |
| Beko | 60 months after registration on the Selective Line range and on built-in appliances | Flat-rate contribution per call-out from the 25th month |
| Whirlpool | 24 months parts and labour | No longer free warranty announced; paid plans only |
| Hisense | 2 years | A 10-year motor warranty exists in France; the Belgian equivalent is not confirmed |
| Liebherr, Smeg, Candy, Indesit | At least the 2-year warranty; occasional offers possible | Ask us for the current terms |
Terms checked on the brands' official websites in October 2026. They change often: only the manufacturer's official terms on the day of purchase apply. Details for each brand are given in each brand section.
What about paid warranty extensions? They can make sense for an expensive, heavily used appliance, or if you want a predictable repair budget. Compare what they actually cover with the statutory warranty and the brand's free warranty. To find out what Nimestore offers, ask our sales adviser.
Recupel: taking back your old appliance
Recupel is the Belgian organisation that manages the collection and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. Here's what to know:
- The “one-for-one” take-back : when you buy a new appliance, the seller must take back your old appliance free of charge similar (a washing machine for a washing machine, a fridge for a fridge). This applies in store and online, even if the old appliance is another brand, was bought elsewhere, or is broken. It must be complete, not dismantled.
- For online purchases, the take-back of a similar appliance happens on delivery; some sellers ask you to mention it when ordering.
- The Recupel fee is already included in the price of every new appliance. It funds collection and recycling. No extra charge for the take-back.
- Without buying : take your appliance to a recyparc or a Recupel collection point. Large electrical retailers (over 400 m²) also take back small appliances without a purchase.
- Fridges and freezers contain fluids and insulation materials that must be handled properly: never leave them at the roadside.
Buying online: the right to cancel
For a distance purchase, for example on nimestore.com, Belgian law in principle provides a 14-day right of withdrawal, without having to give a reason. The period generally starts on the day you receive the appliance.
- Notify your decision in writing within the period.
- The return conditions (return shipping costs, condition of the appliance, packaging) are set out in the terms and conditions of sale : read them before ordering.
- An appliance that has been installed and used beyond what is necessary to check how it works may lose value: the law allows the seller to take this into account.
- This right does not apply to purchases made in store, where you could see and handle the appliance.
Informative summary, which does not replace the legal text or our general terms and conditions of sale. If in doubt, ask our expert sales adviser.
Spare parts: for longer than you might think
EU ecodesign rules require manufacturers to keep certain spare parts available:
- Washing machines and washer-dryers : a list of parts (door hinges and seals, door lock, detergent drawer...) for 10 years.
- Dishwasher : hinges, seals, spray arms, filters and baskets for 10 years after the end of marketing, with parts delivered within 15 days.
- Fridges : periods of 7 years for some parts and 10 years for door seals are often quoted (check the wording of the regulation).
Some brands go further: Bosch and Siemens, for example, announce 15 years of spare parts availability. An appliance that is five or six years old is therefore not doomed at the first breakdown.
If something breaks: the right steps to take
- Basic checks : plug and circuit breaker, child lock, demo mode, blocked filter, door not properly closed. Many “faults” end there. Our household appliances FAQ covers the first steps.
- Note the error code displayed, the model reference and the serial number (on the rating plate, often inside the door or at the back).
- During the first 2 years : contact the shop with your receipt.
- After 2 years : check whether a brand warranty covers the part, then contact the brand's service team or ask us for advice. Belgian consumer helplines for the brands: Bosch 02 475 70 01, Siemens 02 475 70 02, LG 015 200 255, Whirlpool 02 263 33 33.
- In case of dispute : the Service de Médiation pour le Consommateur (Belgian Consumer Mediation Service) can help you find an amicable solution.
On delivery day, take two minutes: photograph the receipt, photograph the rating plate, and register the appliance on the brand's website if it offers a long warranty. When something goes wrong, you'll have everything to hand, and you won't miss a 10-year warranty for lack of registration.
To choose a brand based on its warranties and after-sales service, read our page which household appliance brand to choose.
A few of our brands' appliances in store
Combined fridge freezer BOSCH KGN36NLEA€645.00
Fridge-freezer SAMSUNG RB38C7B6AS9€1,799.00
American-style & multi-door fridge freezer LG GSLC40EPPE€1,361.00
Chest freezer HAIER HCE200E€230.00
BOSCH WAN2827AFR Series 4 Washing Machine€529.00
Washing machine LG F14R15WHS€599.00Frequently asked questions
Who should I contact if my appliance breaks down during the first two years?
The seller, meaning the shop that sold it to you: it is the seller who is bound by the 2-year statutory warranty. Keep your receipt. The shop can then bring in the brand's technical service.
Does a 10-year motor warranty cover everything?
No, almost never. With most brands, it covers the part (motor or compressor) after the first two years, but labour and call-out charges remain your responsibility. Some also require you to register the appliance within a set period.
Must the shop take back my old fridge?
Yes: when you buy a new appliance, the seller must take back your old similar appliance free of charge, even if it's another brand and was bought elsewhere. This is the Recupel take-back obligation. The practical arrangements (collection, disconnection) should be checked with the shop.
Can I return a washing machine bought online?
For a distance purchase, Belgian law in principle provides a 14-day right of withdrawal, without needing to give a reason. The return conditions (costs, condition of the appliance, packaging) are set out in the general terms and conditions of sale: read them before ordering, or ask our expert sales adviser.
What does the Recupel fee paid at purchase cover?
It is included in the price of every new electrical appliance and funds the collection and recycling of old appliances in Belgium. You have nothing extra to pay for the take-back of a similar appliance when you buy.
Is my appliance still repairable after five years?
Often, yes. EU rules, for example, require washing machine and dishwasher manufacturers to keep certain parts available for 10 years after the end of marketing. A repair quote is worth getting before replacing.
Come and see the appliances in person
At our Temploux shop, we open the doors and compare drums and finishes. Or ask our expert sales adviser online, right now.
Read next
ComparisonWhich appliance brand should you choose in 2026?Twelve appliance brands share our shelves, and each has its own personality: German robustness, Korean technology, Turkish or Chinese value for money, Italian design. Here's our honest take on each, their warranties, and the brand we'd recommend for your profile.6 min read
Frequently asked questionsAppliances: the questions we're asked most oftenEvery day at our Temploux shop, we get the same good questions. How many litres do I need for my fridge? Can my electrical installation handle induction? Why does the Eco programme take three hours? Who should I contact if something breaks down? Here are our answers, sorted by theme.7 min read
Buying guideChoosing your fridge well in 2026: the complete guideA fridge runs day and night for thirteen years on average, so it's the kitchen appliance that deserves the most care. Format, capacity, fan cooling, crisper drawer, noise, energy label and dimensions: here is everything we check with you in the shop, with real Nimestore models at every budget.8 min read