This Law regulates the relations arising between consumers and manufacturers (executors, sellers) during the sales of goods (performance of works, delivery of services), defines the rights of consumers to acquire goods (works, services) of proper quality and safe for the life and health of consumers, to receive information on the goods (works, services) and on their manufacturers (executors, sellers), rights of state and public protection of consumer interests, as well as defines the mechanism for the exercise of those rights.

CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1.  MAIN CONCEPTS

The main concepts used in this Law are the following:

“Consumer” means a citizen with an intention of ordering or acquiring goods (works, services) exclusively for personal, family, household or other purposes not related to entrepreneurial activity;

“Indefinite group of consumers” means potential consumers of goods (works, services);

“Manufacturer” means a legal entity or individual entrepreneur manufacturing goods for sales purposes;

“Executor” means a legal entity or individual entrepreneur performing works or delivering services for consumers under a contract;

“Seller” means a legal entity or individual entrepreneur selling goods to consumers under a purchase and sales contract;

“Regulatory document” means laws, other legal acts stipulated under a procedure defined by law (technical regulations), which define mandatory requirements for goods (works, services);

“Defect in goods (work, service)” means incompliance of goods (works, services) with the regulatory documents, conditions of a contract or requirements normally set for the quality of goods (work, service);

“Essential fault in the quality of goods (work, service)” means essential faults  (irremediable faults, as well as faults which may not be eliminated without disproportionate expenses or loss of time, or faults which emerge many times or again after their elimination, and other faults of similar nature) in the requirements set for goods (work, service) in which case the consumer shall have the right, by own choice, to refuse executing the contract and require refund of the amount paid for the goods (work, service) or require replacement of goods (work, service) of improper quality with goods (work, service) of the quality conforming to the contract;

“Safety of goods (work, service)” means safety of goods (work, service) under normal conditions for the life, health, property and environment of the consumer in the course of its use, storage, transportation, utilization, as well as the safety of the process for the performance of work (delivery of service);

“Service life” means duration of operation of goods from the day of its operation or from the day of resumption of operation after repair up to the impossibility of use for its designated purpose. It may be calculated by time, as well as by other units of measurements (kilometers, years, etc.);

“Useful life” means a period after the expiration whereof the goods are unsuitable for use for their designated purpose;

“Guarantee term” means a period during which, in case of detection of any defect in goods (work), the manufacturer (executor, seller) shall be obliged to satisfy the claims of the consumer as prescribed in this Law.

Article 2. LEGAL REGULATION OF RELATIONS FOR PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF CONSUMERS

Relations pertaining to the protection of the rights of consumers shall be regulated by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, the Civil Code of the Republic of Armenia, this Law and other legal acts.

Relations pertaining to the protection of the rights of consumers in the field of consumer lending shall be regulated by the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On Consumer Lending”.

(Article 2 supplemented by HO-125-N of 17 June 2008)

Article 3.  INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

Where international agreements of the Republic of Armenia define norms other than those provided for in this Law, the norms of international agreements shall apply.

Article 4.  RIGHT TO CONSUMER INFORMATION

The right to consumer information is ensured through inclusion of relevant requirements in the organizational-methodological and general technical and regulatory documentation and in general education and special professional programs, as well as through organization of information systems on the rights of consumers and on the activities necessary for the  protection of those rights.

Article 5.  QUALITY OF GOODS (WORK, SERVICE)

1. The seller shall be obliged to transfer to the consumer goods (perform works, deliver services) the quality whereof complies with the contract.

2. In case of non-existence of conditions regarding the quality of goods (work, service) in the contract the seller (executor) shall be obliged to transfer to the consumer goods (perform work, deliver service) that are suitable for the purposes for which such type of goods (work, service) are normally used.

3. Where the consumer, while entering into the contract, has informed the seller (executor) of the specific purposes for acquisition of goods (performance of work, delivery of service), the seller (executor) shall be obliged to transfer to the consumer goods (perform work, deliver service) that are suitable for use in conformity with those purposes.

4. When selling goods by sample and/or by description the seller shall be obliged to transfer to the consumer goods conforming to the sample and/or description.

5. Where mandatory requirements for the quality of goods (work, service) are defined by regulatory documents, the seller (executor) shall be obliged to transfer to the consumer the goods (perform work, deliver service) conforming to those mandatory requirements.

Article 6.  RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE MANUFACTURER (PERFORMER, SELLER) IN DEFINING SERVICE LIFE, USEFUL LIFE AND GUARANTEE PERIOD FOR THE GOODS (WORK)

1. The manufacturer (executor) shall have the right to define such service life for the goods (work) intended for long-term use, during which the latter shall undertake the obligation to provide the possibility for use of the goods (work) by their designated purpose and to bear liability for essential faults having arisen by the fault thereof.

2. The manufacturer (executor) shall be obliged to define a service life for the goods (work) intended for long-term use, including for component product items (accessories, mountings/units, parts) that after the expiry of the defined period may cause harm to the life, health, property or environment of the consumer. The inventory list of such goods (works) shall be approved by the Government.

3. The manufacturer shall be obliged to define such useful life for food products, perfume and cosmetics, medicinal products, medicines, medical substances, household chemicals and other similar goods, that after the expiration thereof  the goods are unsuitable for use for their designated purpose. The inventory list of such goods (works) shall be approved by the Government.

4. The sale of goods (performance of work) after the expiry of the defined useful life shall be prohibited, as well as the sale of goods (performance of works) for which service life or useful life should, but not, have been defined shall be prohibited as well.

5. The manufacturer (executor) shall have the right to define a guarantee period for the goods (work) during which, in case of detection of any defect in goods (work), the manufacturer (executor) shall be obliged to satisfy the claims of the consumer which are defined in Articles 16 and 27 of this Law.

6. The seller shall have the right to define a guarantee period longer than that defined by the manufacturer or, where no guarantee period is defined by the manufacturer, the seller shall have the right to define a guarantee period longer than the time limits provided for in Article 17(2) of this Law.

7. In case of detection of a defect in goods within the guarantee period defined by the seller, the consumer shall have the right to file claims to the seller, the procedure and time limits for the satisfaction thereof, as well as the liability of the seller shall be defined by the contract entered into by the consumer and the seller.

Article 7.  OBLIGATION OF THE MANUFACTURER FOR ENSURING THE POSSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR AND TECHNICAL MAINTENANCE OF GOODS

The manufacturer shall be obliged to ensure the possibility of using the goods within the period of their service life. For this purpose the manufacturer shall ensure repair and technical maintenance of the goods, as well as shall ensure the production and delivery to commercial organizations and repair facilities of spare parts in volume and variety necessary for the repair and technical maintenance within the period of manufacturing the goods and within the period of service life of the goods after their withdrawal from production, and in case of absence of such a period — within ten years after the day of transferring the goods to the consumer.

Article 8.  RIGHTS OF THE CONSUMER REGARDING THE SAFETY OF GOODS (WORK, SERVICE)

1. The consumer shall have the right to demand that the goods (work, service) be safe for the latter’s life, health and property under normal conditions of use, storage, transportation and utilization. The requirements for ensuring the safety of goods (work, service) with respect to the life, health and property of the consumer shall be mandatory and shall be defined under the procedure as prescribed by law.

2. The manufacturer (executor) shall be obliged to ensure the safety of goods (work) during the period of the defined service life or the useful life of goods (work).

Where no service life has been defined by the manufacturer (executor) for the goods (work) intended for long term use, in accordance with Article 6(1) of this Law, the manufacturer (executor) shall be obliged to ensure the safety of the goods (work) within ten years after the day of transferring the goods (work) to the consumer.

The damage caused to the life, health or property of the consumer as a consequence of failure to ensure the safety of goods (work) shall be subject to compensation in accordance with Article 15 of this Law.

3. Where special rules need to be observed for the safe use of goods (work, service), their storage, transportation, utilization (hereinafter referred to as “rules”), the manufacturer (executor) shall be obliged to indicate them in accompanying documents of the goods (work, service), on the label by way of marking or other means, while the seller (executor) shall be obliged to inform the consumer about those rules.

4. The requirements ensuring the safety of the life, health and property of the consumer shall be subject to mandatory attestation under the procedure defined by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.

5. Where it has been revealed that the goods (work), under the conditions of observing by the consumer the rules for the use, storage or transportation of the goods (work), causes damage or may cause damage to the life, health and property of the consumer, the manufacturer (executor, seller) shall be obliged to immediately cease its production (sales) till the elimination of the cause for  the damage, and if necessary, take measures for immediately withdrawing it from circulation and taking back from the consumer upon the latter’s consent.

Where the causes for the damage are impossible to eliminate, the manufacturer (executor) shall be obliged to withdraw such goods (work, service) from production. Where the manufacturer (executor) fails to fulfill this obligation, the withdrawal of the goods (work, service) from production and circulation shall be performed upon the order of the competent authority which exercises control over the quality and safety of the goods (work, service).

The damages caused to the consumer in connection with the withdrawal of the goods (work, service) shall be subject to compensation in full amount by the manufacturer (executor).

The seller (executor) shall bear liability under the procedure defined by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia for the sale of goods (performance of work) dangerous for the life, health and property of the consumer.

Article 9.  RIGHT OF THE CONSUMER FOR RECEIVING INFORMATION ON THE MANUFACTURER (EXECUTOR, SELLER) AND THE GOODS (WORKS, SERVICES)

1. The consumer shall have the right to demand essential and true information on the manufacturer (executor, seller), on the latter’s operating procedure and on the goods (works, services) for sale, which the manufacturer (executor, seller) shall be obliged to provide in Armenian.

2. The information referred to in point 1 of this Article shall be provided for the information of the consumers in an comprehensible form through purchase and sales contracts and through labels in use in certain areas of consumer service and through other means in the course of entry into the contracts on performance of words (delivery of services).

(Article 9 supplemented by HO-11-N of 14 December 2004)

Article 10.  INFORMATION ON THE MANUFACTURER (EXECUTOR, SELLER)

1. The manufacturer (executor, seller) shall be obliged to communicate to the consumer the name (trade name), place of location and operating procedure of the organization thereof.

The manufacturer (executor, seller) must post such information on the sign plate. The requirements set for the sign plate shall be defined by the Government.

The manufacturer (executor, seller)  must provide the consumer also with information on the state registration and, where the type (types) of activities of the manufacturer  (executor, seller)  are subject to licensing, also information on the number of the license, validity period and the authority having issued such license.

2. The information provided for in point 1 of this Article must be provided for the information of consumers also in cases of trading through mobile vending facilities and itinerant trade in temporary constructions, consumer goods markets, trade fairs; in the course of providing domestic and other types of consumer servicing and in other cases, if the trade, domestic and other types of consumer servicing are carried out outside the permanent place of location of the seller (executor).

Article 11.  INFORMATION ON GOODS (WORKS, SERVICES)

1. The manufacturer (executor, seller) shall be obliged to provide to the consumer essential and true information on the goods (works, services) which shall provide the possibility of their right choice. The content of information on specific types of goods (works, services) and the procedure for communicating to the consumer the information on the mandatory requirements shall be defined by the Government.

2. The information on the goods (works, services) shall mandatory contain the following:

(a) the indications of those normative documents the to the requirements whereof the goods (works, services) must comply with;

(b) information on the main performance properties of the goods (works, services), and in case of food products — information on the ingredients, weight and volume, energy value, on the substances contained therein dangerous for health regulated by the mandatory requirement of normative documents, as well as the contra-indications for use in case of certain types of diseases. The inventory list of goods (works, services), the information whereon must contain contra-indications for use in case of certain types of diseases, shall be approved by the Government;

(c) the price and condition of acquisition of goods (works, services);

(d) the guarantee period, where it is defined in accordance with this Law;

(e) the rues and conditions for the efficient and safe use of the goods (works, services);

(f) the period of service life or useful life of goods (works, services) defined in accordance with this Law, as well as information on the required actions by the consumer after the expiry of the mentioned periods and information on the possible consequences in case of failure to take such actions if after the expiry of the mentioned periods the goods (works) are dangerous for the life, health an property of the consumer and become unsuitable for use for their designated purpose ;

(g) the place of location of the manufacturer (executor, seller), the place of location of the entity (entities) that are authorized by the manufacturer (seller) to receive complaints from consumers and repair and provide technical maintenance of the goods (work);

(h) information on the conformity certification of goods (works, services) subject to mandatory certification of conformity;

(i) information on the rules for the sale of goods (performance of works, delivery of services)

(j) information on the live performance or use of any phonogram by performers during cultural services, i.e., theatrical and concert events, public events, festivals, concert tours.

Where the goods acquired by the consumer has been in use or a defect (defects) therein has been eliminated, the consumer must be provided with the information on this.

3. The information provided for in point 2 of this Article shall be provided for the information of the consumer by the technical documentation attached to the goods (works, services), on labels, through marking or other means recognized for specific types of goods (works, services), including all forms of advertisement. The information on the conformity certification of goods (works, services) shall be provided to the consumer  with marking as prescribed, in the form of the conformity sign and with the indication attesting the conformity in the technical documents (number of the certificate, its validity period, the issuing authority or the number of the declaration of conformity, validity period, approving authority).

4. In the Republic of Armenia packaged and pre-packaged food products must be accompanied with the information on the place of its production.

(Article 11 supplemented by HO-144-N of 4 October 2010, amended by HO-86-N of 14 April 2004)

Article 12.  OPERATING PROCEDURE OF THE SELLER

1. The operating procedure of entities, as well as of individual entrepreneurs, carrying out activities in the field of trade, domestic and other types of consumer servicing shall be defined by themselves on their own, with the exception of cases provided for by the Government of the Republic of Armenia.

2. The consumer shall be informed of the operating procedure of the seller (executor).

Article 13.  LIABILITY OF THE MANUFACTURER (EXECUTOR, SELLER) FOR THE IMPROPER INFORMATION  ON THE GOODS (WORK, SERVICE), ON THE MANUFACTURER (EXECUTOR, SELLER)

1. Where the improper, untrue and incomplete information on the goods (work, service), as well as on the manufacturer (executor, seller) has leaded to:

(a) acquisition of goods not having the properties needed by the consumer, the consumer shall have the right to rescind the contract and claim for full compensation for damages. In this case the consumer shall be obliged to return the goods (performed work) to the manufacturer (executor, seller);

(b) impossibility to use the goods (work, service) for its designated purpose, the consumer shall have the right to demand provision of information within the possible shortest period.   Where no information is provided with the agreed time limit the consumer shall have the right to rescind the contract and claim for full compensation for damages. In this case the consumer shall be obliged to immediately return the goods (performed work) to the manufacturer (executor, seller);

(c) emergence of defects in the goods (work) after transfer to the consumer, the consumer shall have the right to file the claims, provided for in Article 16(1-4) of this Law, to the seller  (manufacturer) or file the claims, provided for in Article 27(1) of this Law, to the  executor;

(d) infliction of damage to the life, health and property of the consumer, the consumer shall have the right to demand compensation for damages from the manufacturer (executor, seller) under the procedure defined in Article 15 of this Law, as well as to demand full compensation for the damages caused to the property owned (possessed) thereby.

2. When considering the claims of consumers on compensation for damages caused as a consequence of untrue or incomplete information on goods (work, service) it is necessary to proceed from the presumption that the consumer has no professional knowledge on the properties and specifications of the goods (work, service).

Article 14.  LIABILITY OF THE SELLER (MANUFACTURER, EXECUTOR) FOR THE VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF CONSUMERS

1. The seller (manufacturer, executor) shall bear liability provided for by law and/or under the contract for the violation of the rights of consumers.

2. Damages caused to the consumer shall be subject to compensation in full aside from the default penalty (fine) defined by this Law or by the contract.

3. The payment of default penalty (fine) and compensation for damages shall not release the seller (manufacturer, executor) from the obligation before the consumer to fulfill the obligations in kind.

4. The seller (manufacturer, executor) shall be exempt from liability for the failure to fulfill or improper fulfillment of obligations, where the latter proves that the fulfillment or proper fulfillment of obligations has been impossible due to force majeure or due to violation by the consumer of the rules for the use, storage and transportation of goods (work, service) or due to actions of third persons.

5. The claims of the consumer on the payment of default penalty (fine) provided for in this Law or under a contract must be satisfied by the seller (manufacturer, executor) on a  voluntary basis or through judicial procedure.

Article 15.  PROPERTY LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE CAUSED AS A CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT IN GOODS (WORK, SERVICE)

1. The damage cause to the life, health of the consumer as a consequence of structural, manufacturing, compositional or other defects in goods (work, service)  shall be subject to compensation under the procedure defined by the Civil Code of the Republic of Armenia. The damage to the property shall be subject to compensation under the procedure defined by this Law.

2. The right to claim for compensation for a damage caused as a consequence of defects in goods (work, service) shall be reserved to any injured person irrespective of whether or not the latter is in contractual relations with the seller (executor).

3. The damage caused to the life, health or property of the consumer shall be subject to compensation, if the damage has been caused during the period of defined service life or useful life of the goods (work).

If a period of service life or useful life should, but not, have been defined by the manufacturer (executor) for the goods (work) in accordance with this Law, or if the consumer — whereto goods have been sold (work has been performed) — has not been provided with information on the necessary actions after the expiry of the period of service life or useful life and on the possible consequences in case of failure to take such actions, the damage shall be subject to compensation irrespective of the time of its infliction.

If the manufacturer (executor) has failed to define a service life for the goods (work) intended for long-term use in accordance with Article 6(1) of this Law, the damage shall be subject to compensation within ten years from the day of transferring the goods (work) to the consumer, and where it is impossible to identify the day of transfer — from the year of manufacturing the goods (completing the work).

The damage caused as a consequence of a defect in the goods shall be subject to compensation by the seller or manufacturer of the goods upon the choice of the injured person.

The damage caused as a consequence of defects in the work or service shall be subject to compensation by the executor.

4. The manufacturer (executor) shall bear liability for the damage caused to the life, health, property of the consumer as regards the materials, equipments, tools and other means necessary for the manufacturing of goods (performance of work, delivery of service) irrespective of whether or not the level of scientific and technological knowledge enables detection of their specific properties.

5. The manufacturer (executor, seller) shall be released from liability under the procedure defined in Article 14(4) of this Law.

CHAPTER  II

PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF THE CONSUMER WHEN SELLING GOODS THERETO

Article 16.  CONSEQUENCES OF THE SALE OF GOOD OF IMPROPER QUALITY

1. The consumer whereto goods of improper quality has been sold, and if the seller has not defined a precondition for the defect therein, shall have the right, upon own choice, to demand:

(a) gratuitous elimination of defect of goods or compensation for the expenses of the consumer incurred for the elimination thereof;

(b) proportional reduction of the purchase price;

(c) replacement by goods of analogous category (model, commodity type);

(d) replacement by goods of other category (model, commodity type) with respective recalculation of the purchase price;

(e) rescission of the purchase and sales contract. In this case the consumer shall be obliged to return the goods with defects. The consumer shall have the right to demand full compensation for the damages caused thereto as a consequence of goods of improper quality. The damages shall be compensated within the time limits defined by this Law, Civil Code of the Republic of Armenia or by the contract for the satisfaction of relevant claims of the consumer.

The claims of the consumer, referred to in sub-points “c”, “d” and “e” of this points, as regards technically sophisticated goods shall be subject to satisfaction in case of detection of essential faults in the goods. The inventory list of such goods shall be approved by the Government.

The claims of the consumer, referred to in sub-points “a” and “c” of this points, as regards goods that have been purchased by the consumer from commission merchant, shall be subject to satisfaction upon the consent of the seller (commission merchant).

2. The consumer shall file the claims referred to in point 1 of this Article to the seller (commission merchant).

3. The consumer shall have the right file to the manufacturer or the commission merchant the claims referred to in sub-points “a” and “c” of point 1 of this Article.

Instead of filing these claims the consumer shall have the right to return the goods of improper quality to the manufacturer and demand refund of money paid for it.

4. In case of acquisition by the consumer of goods of improper quality for which a period of useful life is defined, the seller shall be obliged to replace that goods with goods of proper quality or refund to the consumer the amount paid thereby, if the defects in goods have been detected within the period of useful life.

5. The claims of the consumer shall be satisfied if the latter submits the sales receipt or cash register receipt, while for the goods for which guarantee periods are defined — the technical data sheet or its substitute.

The seller shall be obliged to give the consumer a sales receipt or any other document attesting the fact of purchase, with the exception of cases provided for by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.

The seller (manufacturer) or commission merchant shall be obliged to accept from the consumer the goods of improper quality and, if necessary, carry out a quality test of the goods. The consumer shall have the right to take part in the quality test of the goods.

In case of a disputes regarding the causes for the emergence of defects in the goods, the seller (manufacturer) of commission merchant shall be obliged to carry out the expert examination of the goods at own expense in the expert laboratories accredited by the procedure defined by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia. The consumer shall have the right to dispute such expert opinion through judicial procedure.

If the expert examination reveals that the defects have emerged after the transfer of the goods to the consumer as a consequence of violation thereby of the rules defined for the use, storage or transportation or as a consequence of actions of third persons or as a consequence of force majeure,  the consumer shall be obliged to compensate for the expenses incurred by the seller (manufacturer) or commission merchant for carrying out the expert examination, as well as for expenses of storage and transportation of the goods in connection with carrying out the expert examination.

The seller (manufacturer) or commission merchant shall be obliged to satisfy the claims of the consumer, unless proves that the defects of the goods have been emerged after its transfer to the consumer as a consequence of violation thereby of the rules defined for the use, storage or transportation or as a consequence of actions of a third person or as a consequence of force majeure.

6. The transportation for the purpose of repair, price reduction, replacement and return back to the consumer of goods of large volumes and with weight of more than five kilograms shall be carried out by the use of resources and at the expenses of the seller (manufacturer) or commission merchant. In case of failure to fulfill this obligation, as well as in case of unavailability of the seller (manufacturer) or commission merchant in the place of location of the consumer, the transportation and return back of the mentioned goods may be carried out by the consumer. In this case the seller (manufacturer) or commission merchant shall be obliged to compensate for the expenses connected to the  transportation and return back of the mentioned goods.

Article 17.  TIME LIMITS FOR FILING CLAIMS BY THE CONSUMER IN CONNECTION WITH DEFECTS IN GOODS

1. The consumer shall have the right to file the claims defined in Article 16 of this Law, if they have been detected within the guarantee period or useful life defined by the manufacturer in accordance with Article 5 of this Law, unless otherwise defined by the laws of the Republic of Armenia or the contract.

2. With regard to goods for which guarantee periods or periods of useful life are not defined, the consumer shall have the right to file the mentioned claims within the time limits defined by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.

3. The guarantee periods, as well as the periods of service of the goods shall be calculated  started as from the day of transferring the goods to the consumer. Where it is impossible to determine the day of transfer, these periods shall be calculated started as from the day of manufacturing.

For seasonal goods (shoes, clothes, etc.) these periods shall be calculated as from the moment of the respective season, which shall be determined by the Government.

When selling goods by samples, via mail, as well as in cases when the moment of entry into the purchase and sales contract and the moment of delivering the goods to the consumer do not coincide, these periods shall be calculated started as from the moment of delivering the goods to the consumer, and — where  the goods need to be installed (connected) or assembled — as from the day of installation (connection) or assembling. Where it is impossible to determine the day of delivery, installation (connection) or assembling these periods shall be calculated started as from the moment of entering into the purchase and sales contract.

The useful life of the goods shall be determined by a period calculated from the day of their manufacturing during which the goods are suitable for use, or by indicating the year up to which the goods are suitable for use.

The duration of the useful life of the goods must comply with the safety requirements of the goods defined by normative documents.

4. Guarantee periods may be defined for component product items and constituent parts of principal goods. The guarantee periods for component product items and constituent parts shall be calculated by the same procedure, as the guarantee period for the principal goods.

The guarantee periods for component product items and constituent parts of principal goods may not be shorter than the guarantee period of the principal goods, unless  otherwise provided for in the contract.

Where a shorter guarantee period for component product items of goods, than for the principal goods, is provided for by contract, the consumer shall have the right to file claims relating to the defects of component product items within the guarantee period of the principal goods.

Where a longer guarantee period is provided for component product items than for the principal goods, the consumer shall have the right to file claims relating to defects of the component product item, if they have been detected within its guarantee period of that product item, irrespective of the expiry of a guarantee period for the principal goods.

5. The periods referred to in this Article shall be provided for the information of the consumer within the information on the goods in accordance with Article 11 of this Law.

6. In case of detection of essential faults in the goods caused by the fault of the manufacturer the consumer shall have the right to file a claim to the manufacturer on the gratuitous elimination of the defect of the goods after the expiry of the guarantee period defined for the goods or after the expiry of the period referred to in point 2 of this Article. The mentioned claim may be filed within the period of service life of the goods or within ten years started as from the moment of delivery of the goods where the period of service life for the goods is not defined. Where the given claim is not satisfied within twenty days after the filing of such claim by the consumer, the consumer shall have the right, upon own choice, to file other claims to the manufacturer defined by Article 16(3) of this Law.

Article 18.  ELIMINATION OF DEFECTS IN GOODS BY THE MANUFACTURER (SELLER)

1. The defects detected in goods must be eliminated by the manufacturer (seller) or commission merchant within twenty days as from the day of filing claims by the consumer on the elimination of the defects of goods.

2. After the filing of the mentioned claims by the consumer regarding goods intended for long-term use, the manufacturer (seller) or commission merchant shall be obliged, during  the period of repair, to provide to the consumer similar goods gratuitously within seven days providing their delivery on own expenses. The inventory list of goods intended for long-term use, whereupon the mentioned requirement does not apply, shall be approved by the Government.

3. In case of elimination of defects in goods the guarantee period shall be extended by the period during which the goods have not been used. The mentioned period shall be calculated as from the day of filing the claim by the consumer on the elimination of defects in goods up to the day of its return after repair.

4. In case of eliminating of the defects in goods by way of replacement of component product item and constituent part of principal goods having guarantee period, the guarantee period of the new component product item and constituent part of principal goods shall be calculated started as from the day of delivery of the goods to the consumer after the repair.

Article 19.  REPLACEMENT OF GOODS OF IMPROPER QUALITY

1. In case the consumer detects defects in goods and files claims on the replacement of such goods the seller (manufacturer) or commission merchant  shall be obliged to replace such goods within a period of seven days following the day of filing the mentioned claim, and in case of necessity for additional quality test of such goods by the seller (manufacturer) or commission merchant — within twenty days after the day of filing such claim.

In case the seller (manufacturer) or commission merchant lacks the goods needed for replacement, the seller (manufacturer) or commission merchant shall be obliged to replace such goods within a period of two months after the day of filing such claim. Upon the requirement of the consumer the seller (manufacturer) or commission merchant shall be obliged to deliver gratuitously for the temporary use of the consumer similar goods intended for long-term use providing their delivery on own expense. This rule shall not apply to goods the inventory list whereof is defined in accordance with Article 18(2) of this Law.

The claim of the consumer to replace goods, which are indented for regions by seasonal importation, shall be satisfied upon the request by the consumer within such a period which is necessary for the regular deliver of the relevant goods to those regions, if the seller (manufacturer) or commission merchant at the day of filing the mentioned claim lack the goods needed for replacement.

2. Goods of improper quality must be replaced by new goods, i.e. unused goods. In case of replacement of goods the guarantee period shall be calculated over again started from the day of delivery of goods to the consumer.

Article 20.  TIME LIMITS FOR SATISFACTION OF SEPARATE CLAIMS OF THE CONSUMER

The claims of the consumer filed regarding the proportionate reduction of the price of goods, the compensation for the expenses incurred by the consumer in eliminating the defects in goods, as well as regarding the compensation for damages caused to the consumer as a consequence of rescission of the purchase and sales contract (on condition of return of the goods of improper quality to the manufacturer) shall be subject to satisfaction by the seller (manufacturer) or commission merchant within ten days after filing of the respective claim.

Article 21.  LIABILITY OF THE SELLER (MANUFACTURER) FOR THE VIOLATION OF TIME LIMITS FOR FULFILLING THE CLAIMS OF CONSUMERS

1. In case of violation of time limits provided for in Articles 18-20 of this Law, as well as in case failure of satisfaction (delay of satisfaction) of the claim of the consumer on provision of analogous goods during the period of repair (replacement), the seller (manufacturer) or commission merchant having committed such violations shall pay to the consumer a default penalty (fine) in the amount of one percent of the price of goods for each day of delay.

2. In case of failure to satisfy the claims of the consumer within the time limits provided for in Articles 18-20 of this Law the consumer shall have the right, upon own choice, to file other claims defined in Article 16 of this Law.

Article 22.  CALCULATIONS WITH THE CONSUMER IN CASE OF ACQUISITION OF GOODS OF IMPROPER QUALITY

1. When replacing goods of improper quality with goods of analogous category (model, commodity type) the seller shall not have the right to require reimbursement of the price of goods provided for by the contract or the price difference existing at the moment of replacement of goods or at the moment of rendering the court judgment.

2. When replacing goods of improper quality with goods of analogous category (model, commodity type), if the price for the goods to be replaced is lower than the price for the goods given as replacement, the consumer must reimburse for the difference of prices, while in case when if the price for the goods to be replaced is higher than the price for the goods given as replacement the difference between the prices shall be reimbursed to the consumer.  In case of a raise in the price for the goods to be replaced, in such calculations the price applicable on the day of filing the claim of the consumer shall be used, while in case of a decrease — the price applicable on the day of purchase by the consumer.

Where the seller fails to satisfy the claim of the consumer, the price for the goods to be replaced and for the goods given as replacement shall be determined  by the prices applicable on the day of rendering the court judgment on replacement of goods.

3. When rescinding the purchase and sales contract or returning the goods of improper quality to the manufacturer or satisfying the claim on decreasing the price of goods proportionately, the price applicable on the day of raising the claim on decreasing the price, and where the claim has not been voluntarily satisfied — the price applicable on the day of rendering the court judgment on decreasing the price proportionately, shall be taken into account.

4. When returning the goods of improper quality to the seller, the consumer shall have the right to claim the difference between the price of goods provided for by the purchase and sales contract and the relevant price applicable on the day of voluntary satisfaction of the claim (and where the consumer’s claim has not been voluntarily satisfied — the price applicable on the day of rendering the court judgment).

5. In  case of rescission of the purchase and sales contract the monetary amount paid for the goods shall be refunded to consumers, whereto the goods have been sold on credit, in the amount of redemption as of day of returning the goods, and the payment for the purchase on credit shall also be reimbursed.

Article 23.  RIGHT OF THE CONSUMER TO REPLACEMENT OF GOODS OF PROPER QUALITY

1. The consumer  shall have the right to replace non-foods by analogous goods at the seller, wherefrom goods have been purchased, or other places stated by the seller, where the purchased goods are unsuitable by form, dimensions, colour, size or may not be used by the consumer for its intended purpose by other reasons, except for the goods included in the inventory list defined by the Government.

The consumer shall have the right to replace the goods of proper quality within fourteen days, not counting the day of purchase, unless the seller has stated a longer time period.

The goods of proper quality shall replaced, where the mentioned goods have not been used, their marketable appearance, consumer properties, seals, labels, as well as the sales or cash register check provided to the consumer with the sold goods are preserved.

2. In case the seller does not have the analogous goods necessary for replacement on the day of request to the seller, the consumer shall have the right, upon own choice, to rescind the purchase and sales contract and demand refund of the amount paid for the goods concerned or replace it with analogous goods upon the very first supply of the respective goods for sales.  The seller shall be obliged to inform on the supply of the goods to the consumer claiming replacement of such non-foods.

3. The relationships pertaining to the return of goods acquired on credit, including via credit card, shall be regulated by the Law of the Republic of Armenia on “Consumer Lending”.
(Article 23 supplemented by HO-125-N of 17 June 2008)

Article 24.  RULES FOR PURCHASE AND SALES OF SPECIFIC TYPES OF GOODS
(Title edited by HO-454-N of 6 November 2002)

The rules for the purchase and sales of specific types of goods shall be approved by the Government.
(Article 24 edited by HO-454-N of 6 November 2002)

CHAPTER  III

PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF CONSUMERS IN THE CASE OF PERFORMANCE OF WORKS (DELIVERY OF SERVICES)

Article 25.  TIME LIMITS FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF WORKS (DELIVERY OF SERVICES)

1. The executor shall be obliged to fulfill the performance of work (delivery of service) within the time limit defined by rules for the performance of work (delivery of service) of specific type or by the contract on performance of work (delivery of service). The contract on performance of work (delivery of service) may provide for a time limit for the performance of work (delivery of service) (where it is not provided for by the mentioned rules), as well as a time limit shorter that the period defined by the mentioned rules. The mentioned rules shall constitute an inseparable part of the contract entered into between the parties.

2. The time limit for the performance of work (delivery of service) may be determined by the year (period) of completion of the performance of work (delivery of service) and/or by the year (period) of initiation of the performance of work (delivery of service). In the case when the performance of work (delivery of service) is fulfilled in parts during the term of effectiveness of the contract on performance of work (delivery of service) (delivery of periodical press, technical maintenance), particular time limits (periods) must be provided for the performance of work (delivery of service).

Article 26.  CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATION OF TIME LIMITS FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF WORKS (DELIVERY OF SERVICES)

1. Where the executor has not initiated the performance of work (delivery of service) on time or, if in the course of performance of work (delivery of service)  it becomes obvious that the performance of work (delivery of service)  may not be fulfilled promptly, as well as in the case of delay from the time limit for the performance of work (delivery of service), the consumer shall have the right to repudiate the contract and demand compensation for the damages.

Where in the course of performance of works it becomes obvious that it will not be performed properly, the consumer shall have the right to set a reasonable time limit for the elimination of defects by the executor and, in case of failure to eliminate the defects within that period, to repudiate the contract, or to assign the elimination of defects to other persons at the expense of the executor, as well as to demand compensation for the damages.

Damages shall be compensated within the time limits defined for the satisfaction of respective claims of the consumer.

2. The new time limits set by the consumer, during which the executor must initiate the performance of work (delivery of service) and complete the performance of work (delivery of service), shall be indicated in the contract on performance of work (delivery of service).

In case of violation of the new time limits the consumer shall have the right to file other claims to the executor as prescribed in point 1 of this Article.

3. In case of rescission of the contract on performance of work (delivery of service), the price for the performance of work (delivery of service) refunded to the consumer, as well as the price taken into account when reducing the price for the performance of work (delivery of service), shall be determined in accordance with Article 22(3) of this Law.

4. In case of rescission of the contract on performance of work (delivery of service), where the executor has not initiated the performance of work (delivery of service) promptly or fulfils it so slowly that the performance of work (delivery of service) becomes impossible within the set time limit, the executor shall not have the right to demand compensation for the expenses incurred thereby in the course of the performance of work (delivery of service), as well as reimbursement for the work already performed (service already delivered).

In such cases the peculiarities of calculations between the consumer and the executor may be defined by the rules for the performance of work (delivery of service) of specific type.

 5. In case of violation of the time limits for the commencement and completion of the performance of work (delivery of service) or new time limits set by the consumer based on point 1 of this Article, the executor shall pay default penalty (fine) to the consumer in the amount of three percent of the price for the performance of work (delivery of service) for each day of delay (each hour of delay, where the time limit is set in hours), and — where  the price for the performance of work (delivery of service) is not determined based on the contract on performance of work (delivery of service) — in the amount of three percent of the total price of order. A higher amount of default penalty (fine) may be defined by the contract on performance of work (delivery of service) between the consumer and the executor.  The default penalty (fine) for the violation of the time limits for the commencement of the performance of work (delivery of service) shall be collected for each day of delay (each hour of delay, where the time limit is set in hours) up to and including the commencement of the performance of work (delivery of service) or submission of claims by the consumer defined in point 1 of this Article.

The default penalty (fine) for the violation of the time limits for the completion of the performance of work (delivery of service) ) shall be collected for each day of delay (each hour of delay, where the time limit is set in hours) up to and including the completion of the performance of work (delivery of service) or submission of claims by the consumer defined in point 1 of this Article.

The amount of default penalty (fine) collected to the benefit of the consumer may not exceed the amount for the performance of work (delivery of service) of specific type or the total price of the order, if the price for the performance of work (delivery of service) of specific type is not determined by a contract on the performance of work (delivery of service).

The amount of default penalty (fine) shall be determined based on the price for the performance of work (delivery of service), and where the mentioned price id not determined, based on the general price applicable to the order in the place, where the claim of the consumer should have been satisfied by the executor on the day of voluntary satisfaction of such claim, or — where the claim of the consumer has not been satisfied on a voluntary basis — on the day of rendering the court judgment.

6. The claims of the consumer defined in point 1 of this Article shall not be subject to satisfaction, where the executor proves that the violation of the time limits for the performance of work (delivery of service)  has taken place as a consequence of force majeure or by the fault of the consumer.

Article 27.  RIGHTS OF THE CONSUMER IN CASE OF DETECTION OF DEFECTS IN THE PERFORMED WORKS (DELIVERED SERVICES)

1. In case of detection of defects in the performed works (delivered services) the consumer shall have the right, upon own choice, to demand:

(a) gratuitous elimination of defects in the performed works (delivered services);

(b) respective reduction of the price for the performed works (delivered services);

(c) preparation of another item from the analogous material in the same quality or performance of double work. Moreover, the consumer shall be obliged to return the item previously given thereto by the executor;

(d) compensation for the expenses for own resources used for the elimination of defects in the performed works (delivered services).

The claims of the consumer on gratuitous elimination of defects, preparation of another item or performance of double work (delivery of double service) may be accompanied by the claim on the reduction of the price for the performed works (delivered services).

The consumer shall have the right to rescind the contract on the performance of work (delivery of service) and demand full compensation of damages, where the defects in the performed works (delivered services) have not been eliminated by the executor within the time limit specified in the mentioned contract. The consumer shall also have the right to rescind the contract on the performance of work (delivery of service) if the latter has revealed essential faults in the performed works (delivered services) or other essential deviations from the conditions of the contract.

The consumer shall have the right to demand full compensation for the damaged incurred thereby in connection with the defects in the performance of work (delivery of service). The damages shall be compensated within the time limits defined for the satisfaction of respective claims of the consumer.

2. In case of rescission of the contract on performance of work (delivery of service), the price for the performed work (delivered service) returned to the consumer, as well as the price taken into account when reducing the price for the performance of work (delivery of service), shall be determined in accordance with Article 22(3) of this Law.

3. The claims defined in point 1 of this Article may be filed in case of revealing defects when accepting the performed work (delivered service) or in the course of performance of work (delivery of service), while in case of impossibility of revealing defects when accepting the performed work (delivered service) — during the guarantee period, or in case of absence of a guarantee period — within six months started from the days of acceptance of performed work (delivered service).

4. In case of revelation of essential faults caused by the executor of the performance of work (delivery of service), the consumer shall have the right to file a claim on the gratuitous elimination of defects in the performed work (delivered service) after the expiry of the guarantee period defined by the executor for the performed work (delivered service) or after the expiry of time limits referred to on point 3 of this Article. The mentioned claim of the consumer may have been filed during the period of defied service for the performed work (delivered service) or within ten years after the day of acceptance of the performed work (delivered service), where no service life is defined for the performed work (delivered service). If the given claim is not satisfied within the time limit defined by Article 28 of this Law, the consumer shall have the right, upon own choice, to demand:

(a) respective reduction of the price for the performance of work (delivery of service);

(b) compensation for the expenses for own resources used for the elimination of defects in the performed works (delivered services);

(c) rescission of the contract on the performance of work (delivery of service) and compensation for damages.

Article 28.  TIME LIMITS FOR THE ELIMINATION OF DEFECTS IN THE PERFORMED WORK (DELIVERED SERVICE)

Defects in the performed work (delivered service) revealed in the course of performance of work (delivery of service) must be eliminated within an acceptable time limit set by the consumer.

Defects in the performed work (delivered service)  must be eliminated within twenty days following the day of submission of the claim by the consumer, unless a shorter period is defined by the contract (agreement of parties) when accepting the performed work (delivered service) or by the contract on the performance of work (delivery of service) of specific type.

The time limit for the elimination of defects set by the consumer or by the contract (agreement of parties)  shall be indicated in the contract or in other document.

In case of violation of the time limits set for the elimination of defects in the performed work (delivered service) as prescribed in this Article, the executor shall, for each day of delay, pay to the consumer a default penalty (fine) the amount and procedure of calculation whereof shall be determined in accordance with Article 26(5) of this Law.

In case of violation of the time limits concerned the consumer shall have the right to file other claims to the executor provide for in Article 27(1) and (4).

Article 29.  TIME LIMITS FOR THE SATISFACTION OF SEPARATE CLAIMS OF THE CONSUMER

1. The claims of the consumer regarding the reduction of the price for the performance of work (delivery of service), the compensation for the expenses for own resources used for the elimination of defects in the performed works (delivered services), as well as regarding the compensation for the damages caused by the rescission of the contract on the performance of work (delivery of service) provide for in Article 26(1) and Article 27(1) and (4) of this, shall be subject to satisfaction within a period of ten days after submission of the respective claim.

2. The claims of the consumer on gratuitous preparation of another item from analogous material of the same quality or performance of double work (delivery of double service) shall be subject to satisfaction in such a time limit which is set for the quick performance of work (delivery of service), and where no such time limit is set — within a period provided for by the contract for the performance of work (delivery of service) executed improperly.

3. In case of violation of the time limits for the satisfaction of separate claims defined in this Article, the executor shall, for each day of delay, pay to the consumer a default penalty (fine) the amount and procedure of calculation whereof shall be determined in accordance with Article 26(5) of this Law.

In case of violation of the time limits referred to in points 1 and 2 of this Article the consumer shall have the right to file other claims to the executor provide for in Article 27(1) and (4).

Article 30.  RIGHT OF THE CONSUMER REGARDING THE RESCISSION OF THE CONTRACT ON PERFORMANCE OF WORKS (DELIVERY OF SERVICE)

The consumer shall have the right at any time to rescind the contract on the performance of work (delivery of service) by reimbursing the executor the portion of the price which is equivalent to the price for the work performed (service delivered) up to the receipt of the notification on the rescission of the contract concerned.  The consumer shall be obligated to compensate also for the damages inflicted as a consequence of rescission of the contract on the performance of work (delivery of service) within the limits of the difference between the price paid for the work performed (service delivered) before receiving the notification on the rescission of the contract concerned and the price for the entire work under performance  (service under delivery).

Article 31.  THE COST ESTIMATE FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF WORK (DELIVER OF SERVICE)

1. A fixed or approximate cost estimate may be drawn up for the performance of work (delivery of service) provided for by the contract.

Drawing up such cost estimate upon the demand of the consumer or executor shall be mandatory.

2. The executor shall not have the right to demand reimbursement for the performance of work (delivery of service) and for other additional expenses not included in the fixed cost estimate, where the consumer has not given consent for the performance of such work (delivery of such service) or has not assigned the executor to perform such work (deliver such service).

In case of a need for exceeding the approximate cost estimate the executor shall be obliged to notify thereon immediately to the consumer. In that case the consumer shall have the right to repudiate the contract on the performance of work (delivery of service) by compensating the executor for the expenses incurred thereby for the performance of work (delivery of service) in accordance with the initial cost estimate. Where the executor has not notified the consumer on exceeding the approximate cost estimate, the executor shall be obliged to perform the work (deliver the service) within the limits of the initial approximate cost estimate.

Article 32.  PERFORMANCE OF WORK WITH THE MATERIAL OF THE EXECUTOR

1. The executor shall be obliged to perform the work determined by the contract on the performance of work with own material and own means, unless the consumer demands the work to be performed with the latter’s own material.

The performer of work with own material shall be liability for the proper quality of that material.

2. When entering into the contract, the consumer shall pay for the material of the  executor in full or in the amount which is specified in the rules for performance of specific types of works or in the contract on the performance of work on condition of the final calculation received from the executor, unless another calculations procedure is stipulated for the material of the executor upon the consent of parties.

3. By the rules specified for the performance of work or in the cases provided for by the contract the material may be provided on credit  by the executor to the consumer, including on condition of payment by the consumer for the material on a time share basis. The further change in the price of the material of the executor provided on credit shall not entail re-calculation.

4. The materials of the executor and the technical means, tools, etc. necessary for the performance of work shall be brought to the place of performance of work by the executor.

Article 33.  PERFORMANCE OF WORK WITH THE MATERIAL (ITEM) OF THE CONSUMER

1. Where the work fully or partially is performed with the material (item) of the consumer, the executor shall be responsible for the preservation of that material (item) and its correct use.

The executor shall be obliged to:

(a) notify the consumer on the unsuitability or poor quality of the material (item) provided thereby;

(b) submit a report on the consumption of the material and return the remaining part.

In case of full or partial loss (damage) of the material (item) received from the consumer, the executor shall be obliged to replace it, within a period of three days, with analogous material (item) of similar quality and, upon the desire of the customer, prepare a commodity item from the analogous material (item) within acceptable time limits, while in case of unavailability of analogous material (item) of similar quality — compensate to the consumer in the amount of the double price of the lost (damaged) material (item), as well as for the expenses incurred by the consumer.

2. The price of the lost (damaged) material (item) shall be determined based on the price of the material (item) applicable in the place, where the claim of the consumer should have been satisfied on the day of voluntary satisfaction by the executor of such claim of the consumer, or — where the claim of the consumer has not been satisfied on a voluntary basis — on the day of rendering the court judgment.

The price of the material (item) transferred to the executor shall be determined by the consumer and it is indicated in the contract on the performance of work or in the document (receipt, order) which proves the contract to have been entered into.

3. The executor shall be released from liability for the full or partial loss (damage) of the material received from the consumer, where the executor has notified the consumer on the special properties of the material (item) that may cause its full or partial loss (damage). Lack of awareness on the special properties of material (item) shall not release the executor frm liability.

Article 34.  OBLIGATION OF THE EXECUTOR FOR NOTIFYING THE CONSUMER ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF THE PERFORMED WORK (DELIVERED SERVICE)

The executor shall be obliged to promptly notify the consumer at the adherence to the instructions of the consumer and other circumstances under the control of the consumer may deteriorate the quality of the performed work (delivered service).

Where the consumer, despite of the prompt and substantiated notification of the executor, fails to change, within a reasonable period, the unsuitable or poor quality material, fails to change the instructions on the method of performance of work (delivery of service) or fails to eliminate other circumstances deteriorating the quality of the performed work (delivered service), the executor shall have the right to rescind the contract on the performance of work (delivery of service) and demand from the consumer full compensation for damages.

Article 35.  PROCEDURE FOR CALCULATIONS REGARDING THE PERFORMED WORK (DELIVERED SERVICE)

The procedure for calculations regarding the performed work (delivered service) shall be determined by a contract entered into between the consumer and the executor.

The consumer shall be obliged to pay for the work performed (service delivered) by the executor in full volume after its completion, unless otherwise provided for by the contract entered into between the consumer and the executor or by laws and other legal acts of the Republic of Armenia.

Article 36.  Rules for domestic and other types of consumer servicing  (performance of specific types of work and delivery of specific types of services)
(Title edited by HO-454-N of 6 November 2002)

The rules for domestic and other types of consumer servicing (performance of specific types of works and delivery of specific types of services) shall be approved by the Government, unless otherwise provided for by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.

(Article 36 amended by HO-454-N of 6 November 2002)

Article 37.  regulation of consequences for violating conditions of contract on delivery of specific types of services

The consequences for violating conditions of contract on delivery of specific types of services, unless such contracts by their nature fall under the scope this Chapter, shall be determined by other laws.

CHAPTER  IV

STATE AND PUBLIC PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF CONSUMERS

Article 38.  powers of state authorities exercising control over the quality and safety requirements of goods (works, services)

Control over the quality and safety requirements of goods (works, services), for the purpose of ensuring the safety of goods (works, services), shall be carried out the authorized state bodies within the scope of their competence provided for by the laws and other legal acts of the Republic of Armenia.

Article 39.  imposition of liability measures by the authorized state bodies  exercising control over the quality and safety requirements of goods (works, services)

The authorized state bodies exercising control over the quality and safety requirements of goods (works, services) shall, within the scope of their competence provided for by the laws of the Republic of Armenia, have the right to impose measures of liability.

Article 40. protection of rights of consumers by local self government bodies

Protection of rights of consumers by local self government bodies shall be carried out in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On Local Self Governance”.

Article 41.  rights of public associations of consumers

Protection of rights of consumers by public associations of consumers shall be carried out by the procedure defined by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.

Article 42.  PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF THE INDEFINITE GROUP OF CONSUMERS

Legal actions on recognizing as illegal the actions of sellers (manufacturers, executors) or commission merchants with respect to indefinite group of consumers and on termination of such actions may be brought to the court by persons defined by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.

Article 43.  ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE LAW  

This Law shall enter into force as from 1 January 2002.