Redefining consumer protection: An overview of how Bill 29 alters consumer rights in Quebec
Quebec Strengthens Consumer Protections with New Durability and Repairability Amendments
Starting October 5, 2025, manufacturers and merchants operating in Quebec will be required to disclose clearly and prominently the availability of replacement parts, repair services, and maintenance information for consumer goods, as part of amendments to the Quebec Consumer Protection Act (QCPAA) introduced by Bill 29.
These amendments are a significant step towards stronger consumer protections in Quebec, addressing the issue of planned obsolescence and promoting the durability and repairability of goods. The new rules target all consumer goods subject to long-term leases, including automobiles, appliances, and water heaters.
Manufacturers and merchants must ensure that the disclosed information is easily retained and printable in paper form, or a hyperlink to a downloadable PDF should be provided. If a product user or maintenance manual is provided, the required information must also be included there in a clear, prominent, and comprehensible manner.
Installation of replacement parts must be possible using "commonly available tools," defined as tools provided free of charge when the consumer takes possession of the goods or obtainable at a reasonable price within a reasonable period.
The amendments broaden the definition of goods subject to maintenance obligations to include goods whose use may require the replacement, cleaning, or updating of one of their components. If a user or maintenance manual is provided, this information must also be included there in a clear, prominent, and comprehensible manner.
When the merchant is also the manufacturer, a single disclosure suffices, but the information must still be included in any user or maintenance manual provided. For online transactions, the manufacturer's disclosure information must be displayed near the product listing and accompanied by a hyperlink.
These requirements aim to protect consumers against planned obsolescence and enhance the durability and repairability of goods. The obligation to provide repair-related information and availability guarantees applies for a reasonable period after the contract is concluded and must be provided in French.
The amendments are the second phase of the implementation of Bill 29 - Act to protect consumers from planned obsolescence and to promote the durability, repairability, and maintenance of goods. Businesses operating in Quebec are advised to understand and implement these changes to ensure compliance with Quebec consumer protection laws.
Alexandre Fallon and Anaïs Nguyen are the authors of this article.
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Consumers in Quebec can benefit from enhanced education on the durability and repairability of goods, as these attributes are promoted through the new amendments to the Quebec Consumer Protection Act (QCPAA) under Bill 29. This increased knowledge can lead to better self-development in decision-making and understanding the lifespan of their purchased items.
By making the availability of replacement parts, repair services, and maintenance information more accessible, these updated consumer protection regulations also empower consumers with the knowledge needed for self-education, fostering a more informed and proactive approach towards maintenance and repair of their consumer goods.
