Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Act
US Code - Title 15, Chapter 50, Sections
2301-2312
Legally, a vehicle manufacturer
cannot void the warranty on a vehicle due to an aftermarket part unless they can prove that the aftermarket part
caused or contributed to the failure in the vehicle (per the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302(C)) . For
best results, consider working with performance-oriented dealerships with a proven history of working with customers.
If your vehicle manufacturer fails to honor emission/warranty claims, contact EPA at (202) 260-2080 or
www.epa.gov. If federal warranty
protection is denied, contact the FTC at (202) 326-3128 or www.ftc.gov. For additional information, check out the following
links:
1. Consumers Bill of Rights
2. What You Can Do If
Your Warranty Is Denied
3. Federal Warranty
Laws
4. Vehicle Manufacturer
Warranty Contact Phone Numbers
Section 2301. Definitions
(1) The term "consumer product" means any tangible personal property which is
distributed in commerce and which is normally used for personal, family, or household purposes (including any such
property intended to be attached to or installed in any real property without regard to whether it is so attached or
installed).
(2) The term "Commission" means the Federal Trade Commission.
(3) The term "consumer" means a buyer (other than for purposes of resale) of any
consumer product, any person to whom such product is transferred during the duration of an implied or written
warranty (or service contract) applicable to the product, and any other person who is entitled by the terms of such
warranty (or service contract) or under applicable State law to enforce against the warrantor (or service contractor)
the obligations of the warranty (or service contract).
(4) The term "supplier" means any person engaged in the business of making a consumer
product directly or indirectly available to consumers.
(5) The term "warrantor" means any supplier or other person who gives or offers to
give a written warranty or who is or may be obligated under an implied warranty.
(6) The term "written warranty" means -
(A) any written affirmation of fact or written promise made in connection with the
sale of a consumer product by a supplier to a buyer which relates to the nature of the material or workmanship and
affirms or promises that such material or workmanship is defect free or will meet a specified level of performance
over a specified period of time, or
(B) any undertaking in writing in connection with the sale by a supplier of a
consumer product to refund, repair, replace, or take other remedial action with respect to such product in the
event that such product fails to meet the specifications set forth in the undertaking, which written affirmation,
promise, or undertaking becomes part of the basis of the bargain between a supplier and a buyer for purposes other
than resale of such product.
(7) The term "implied warranty" means an implied warranty arising under State law (as
modified by sections 2308 and 2304(a) of this title) in connection with the sale by a supplier of a consumer
product.
(8) The term "service contract" means a contract in writing to perform, over a fixed
period of time or for a specified duration, services relating to the maintenance or repair (or both) of a consumer
product.
(9) The term "reasonable and necessary maintenance" consists of those
operations
(A) which the consumer reasonably can be expected to perform or have performed
and
(B) which are necessary to keep any consumer product performing its intended
function and operating at a reasonable level of performance.
(10) The term "remedy" means whichever of the following actions the warrantor
elects:
(A) repair,
(B) replacement, or
(C) refund;
except that the warrantor may not elect refund unless (i) the warrantor is unable to
provide replacement and repair is not commercially practicable or cannot be timely made, or (ii) the consumer is
willing to accept such refund.
(11) The term ''replacement'' means furnishing a new consumer product which is
identical or reasonably equivalent to the warranted consumer product.
(12) The term "refund" means refunding the actual purchase price (less reasonable
depreciation based on actual use where permitted by rules of the Commission).
(13) The term "distributed in commerce" means sold in commerce, introduced or
delivered for introduction into commerce, or held for sale or distribution after introduction into
commerce.
(14) The term "commerce" means trade, traffic, commerce, or transportation
-
(A) between a place in a State and any place outside thereof,
or
(B) which affects trade, traffic, commerce, or transportation described in subparagraph (A).
(15) The term "State" means a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Canal Zone, or American Samoa. The term "State law" includes a law of the
United States applicable only to the District of Columbia or only to a territory or possession of the United States;
and the term "Federal law'" excludes any State law.
Section 2302. Rules governing contents of warranties
(a) Full and conspicuous disclosure of terms and conditions; additional requirements
for contents In order to improve the adequacy of information available to consumers, prevent deception, and improve
competition in the marketing of consumer products, any warrantor warranting a consumer product to a consumer by
means of a written warranty shall, to the extent required by rules of the Commission, fully and conspicuously
disclose in simple and readily understood language the terms and conditions of such warranty. Such rules may
require inclusion in the written warranty of any of the following items among others:
(1) The clear identification of the names and addresses of the
warrantors.
(2) The identity of the party or parties to whom the warranty is
extended.
(3) The products or parts covered.
(4) A statement of what the warrantor will do in the event of a defect,
malfunction, or failure to conform with such written warranty - at whose expense - and for what period of
time.
(5) A statement of what the consumer must do and expenses he must bear.
(6) Exceptions and exclusions from the terms of the warranty.
(7) The step-by-step procedure which the consumer should take in order to obtain
performance of any obligation under the warranty, including the identification of any person or class of persons
authorized to perform the obligations set forth in the warranty.
(8) Information respecting the availability of any informal dispute settlement
procedure offered by the warrantor and a recital, where the warranty so provides, that the purchaser may be
required to resort to such procedure before pursuing any legal remedies in the courts.
(9) A brief, general description of the legal remedies available to the
consumer.
(10) The time at which the warrantor will perform any obligations under the
warranty.
(11) The period of time within which, after notice of a defect, malfunction, or
failure to conform with the warranty, the warrantor will perform any obligations under the warranty.
(12) The characteristics or properties of the products, or parts thereof, that are
not covered by the warranty.
(13) The elements of the warranty in words or phrases which would not mislead a
reasonable, average consumer as to the nature or scope of the warranty.
(b) Availability of terms to consumer; manner and form for presentation and display
of information; duration; extension of period for written warranty or service contract
(1)
(A) The Commission shall prescribe rules requiring that the terms of any written
warranty on a consumer product be made available to the consumer (or prospective consumer) prior to the sale of
the product to him.
(B) The Commission may prescribe rules for determining the manner and form in
which information with respect to any written warranty of a consumer product shall be clearly and conspicuously
presented or displayed so as not to mislead the reasonable, average consumer, when such information is
contained in advertising, labeling, point-of-sale material, or other representations in writing.
(2) Nothing in this chapter (other than paragraph (3) of this subsection) shall be
deemed to authorize the Commission to prescribe the duration of written warranties given or to require that a
consumer product or any of its components be warranted.
(3) The Commission may prescribe rules for extending the period of time a written
warranty or service contract is in effect to correspond with any period of time in excess of a reasonable period
(not less than 10 days) during which the consumer is deprived of the use of such consumer product by reason of
failure of the product to conform with the written warranty or by reason of the failure of the warrantor (or
service contractor) to carry out such warranty (or service contract) within the period specified in the warranty
(or service contract).
(c) Prohibition on conditions for written or implied warranty; waiver by Commission
No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumer's
using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without
charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade, or corporate name; except that the
prohibition of this subsection may be waived by the Commission if -
(1) the warrantor satisfies the Commission that the warranted product will
function properly only if the article or service so identified is used in connection with the warranted product,
and
(2) the Commission finds that such a waiver is in the public interest. The
Commission shall identify in the Federal Register, and permit public comment on, all applications for waiver of
the prohibition of this subsection, and shall publish in the Federal Register its disposition of any such
application, including the reasons therefor.
(d) Incorporation by reference of detailed substantive warranty provisions
The Commission may by rule devise detailed substantive warranty provisions which warrantors may incorporate by
reference in their warranties.
(e) Applicability to consumer products costing more than $5
The provisions of this section apply only to warranties which pertain to consumer products actually costing the
consumer more than $5.
Section 2303. Designation of written warranties
(a) Full (statement of duration) or limited warranty
Any warrantor warranting a consumer product by means of a written warranty shall clearly and conspicuously
designate such warranty in the following manner, unless exempted from doing so by the Commission pursuant to
subsection (c) of this section:
(1) If the written warranty meets the Federal minimum standards for warranty set
forth in section 2304 of this title, then it shall be conspicuously designated a ''full (statement of duration)
warranty''.
(2) If the written warranty does not meet the Federal minimum standards for
warranty set forth in section 2304 of this title, then it shall be conspicuously designated a "limited
warranty".
(b) Applicability of requirements, standards, etc., to representations or statements
of customer satisfaction
This section and sections 2302 and 2304 of this title shall not apply to statements or representations which are
similar to expressions of general policy concerning customer satisfaction and which are not subject to any specific
limitations.
(c) Exemptions by Commission
In addition to exercising the authority pertaining to disclosure granted in section 2302 of this title, the
Commission may by rule determine when a written warranty does not have to be designated either ''full (statement of
duration)'' or ''limited'' in accordance with this section.
(d) Applicability to consumer products costing more than $10 and not designated as
full warranties
The provisions of subsections (a) and (c) of this section apply only to warranties which pertain to consumer
products actually costing the consumer more than $10 and which are not designated "full (statement of duration)
warranties".
Section 2304. Federal minimum standards for warranties
(a) Remedies under written warranty; duration of implied warranty; exclusion or
limitation on consequential damages for breach of written or implied warranty; election of refund or replacement.
In order for a warrantor warranting a consumer product by means of a written warranty to meet the Federal minimum
standards for warranty -
(1) such warrantor must as a minimum remedy such consumer product within a
reasonable time and without charge, in the case of a defect, malfunction, or failure to conform with such written
warranty;
(2) notwithstanding section 2308(b) of this title, such warrantor may not impose
any limitation on the duration of any implied warranty on the product;
(3) such warrantor may not exclude or limit consequential damages for breach of
any written or implied warranty on such product, unless such exclusion or limitation conspicuously appears on the
face of the warranty; and
(4) if the product (or a component part thereof) contains a defect or malfunction
after a reasonable number of attempts by the warrantor to remedy defects or malfunctions in such product, such
warrantor must permit the consumer to elect either a refund for, or replacement without charge of, such product
or part (as the case may be). The Commission may by rule specify for purposes of this paragraph, what constitutes
a reasonable number of attempts to remedy particular kinds of defects or malfunctions under different
circumstances. If the warrantor replaces a component part of a consumer product, such replacement shall include
installing the part in the product without charge.
(b) Duties and conditions imposed on consumer by warrantor
(1) In fulfilling the duties under subsection (a) of this section respecting a
written warranty, the warrantor shall not impose any duty other than notification upon any consumer as a
condition of securing remedy of any consumer product which malfunctions, is defective, or does not conform to the
written warranty, unless the warrantor has demonstrated in a rulemaking proceeding, or can demonstrate in an
administrative or judicial enforcement proceeding (including private enforcement), or in an informal dispute
settlement proceeding, that such a duty is reasonable.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a warrantor may require, as a condition to
replacement of, or refund for, any consumer product under subsection (a) of this section, that such consumer
product shall be made available to the warrantor free and clear of liens and other encumbrances, except as
otherwise provided by rule or order of the Commission in cases in which such a requirement would not be
practicable.
(3) The Commission may, by rule define in detail the duties set forth in
subsection (a) of this section and the applicability of such duties to warrantors of different categories of
consumer products with ''full (statement of duration)'' warranties.
(4) The duties under subsection (a) of this section extend from the warrantor to
each person who is a consumer with respect to the consumer product.
(c) Waiver of standards
The performance of the duties under subsection (a) of this section shall not be required of the warrantor if he can
show that the defect, malfunction, or failure of any warranted consumer product to conform with a written warranty,
was caused by damage (not resulting from defect or malfunction) while in the possession of the consumer, or
unreasonable use (including failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance).
(d) Remedy without charge
For purposes of this section and of section 2302(c) of this title, the term ''without charge'' means that the
warrantor may not assess the consumer for any costs the warrantor or his representatives incur in connection with
the required remedy of a warranted consumer product. An obligation under subsection (a)(1)(A) of this section to
remedy without charge does not necessarily require the warrantor to compensate the consumer for incidental
expenses; however, if any incidental expenses are incurred because the remedy is not made within a reasonable time
or because the warrantor imposed an unreasonable duty upon the consumer as a condition of securing remedy, then the
consumer shall be entitled to recover reasonable incidental expenses which are so incurred in any action against
the warrantor.
(e) Incorporation of standards to products designated with full warranty for
purposes of judicial actions
If a supplier designates a warranty applicable to a consumer product as a ''full (statement of duration)''
warranty, then the warranty on such product shall, for purposes of any action under section 2310(d) of this title
or under any State law, be deemed to incorporate at least the minimum requirements of this section and rules
prescribed under this section.
Section 2305. Full and limited warranting of a consumer product
Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the selling of a consumer product which has
both full and limited warranties if such warranties are clearly and conspicuously differentiated.
Section 2306. Service contracts; rules for full, clear and conspicuous disclosure
of terms and conditions; addition to or in lieu of written warranty
(a) The Commission may prescribe by rule the manner and form in which the terms and
conditions of service contracts shall be fully, clearly, and conspicuously disclosed.
(b) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a supplier or warrantor
from entering into a service contract with the consumer in addition to or in lieu of a written warranty if such
contract fully, clearly, and conspicuously discloses its terms and conditions in simple and readily understood
language.
Section 2307. Designation of representatives by warrantor to perform duties
under written or implied warranty
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent any warrantor from designating
representatives to perform duties under the written or implied warranty: Provided, That such warrantor shall make
reasonable arrangements for compensation of such designated representatives, but no such designation shall relieve
the warrantor of his direct responsibilities to the consumer or make the representative a co-warrantor.
Section 2308. Implied warranties
(a) Restrictions on disclaimers or modifications
No supplier may disclaim or modify (except as provided in subsection (b) of this section) any implied warranty to a
consumer with respect to such consumer product if
(1) such supplier makes any written warranty to the consumer with respect to such
consumer Product, or
(2) at the time of sale, or within 90 days thereafter, such supplier enters into a
service contract with the consumer which applies to such consumer product.
(b) Limitation on duration
For purposes of this chapter (other than section 2304(a)(2) of this title), implied warranties may be limited in
duration to the duration of a written warranty of reasonable duration, if such limitation is conscionable and is
set forth in clear and unmistakable language and prominently displayed on the face of the warranty.
(c) Effectiveness of disclaimers, modifications, or limitations
A disclaimer, modification, or limitation made in violation of this section shall be ineffective for purposes of
this chapter and State law.
Section 2309. Procedures applicable to promulgation of rules by
Commission
(a) Oral presentation
Any rule prescribed under this chapter shall be prescribed in accordance with section 553 of title 5; except that
the Commission shall give interested persons an opportunity for oral presentations of data, views, and arguments,
in addition to written submissions. A transcript shall be kept of any oral presentation. Any such rule shall be
subject to judicial review under section 57a(e) of this title in the same manner as rules prescribed under section
57a(a)(1)(B) of this title, except that section 57a(e)(3)(B) of this title shall not apply.
(b) Warranties and warranty practices involved in sale of used motor vehicles
The Commission shall initiate within one year after January 4, 1975, a rulemaking proceeding dealing with
warranties and warranty practices in connection with the sale of used motor vehicles; and, to the extent necessary
to supplement the protections offered the consumer by this chapter, shall prescribe rules dealing with such
warranties and practices. In prescribing rules under this subsection, the Commission may exercise any authority it
may have under this chapter, or other law, and in addition it may require disclosure that a used motor vehicle is
sold without any warranty and specify the form and content of such disclosure.
Section 2310. Remedies in consumer disputes
(a) Informal dispute settlement procedures; establishment; rules setting forth
minimum requirements; effect of compliance by warrantor; review of informal procedures or implementation by
Commission; application to existing informal procedures
(1) Congress hereby declares it to be its policy to encourage warrantors to
establish procedures whereby consumer disputes are fairly and expeditiously settled through informal dispute
settlement mechanisms.
(2) The Commission shall prescribe rules setting forth minimum requirements for
any informal dispute settlement procedure which is incorporated into the terms of a written warranty to which any
provision of this chapter applies. Such rules shall provide for participation in such procedure by independent or
governmental entities.
(3) One or more warrantors may establish an informal dispute settlement procedure
which meets the requirements of the Commission's rules under paragraph (2). If -
(A) a warrantor establishes such a procedure,
(B) such procedure, and its implementation, meets the requirements of such
rules, and
(C) he incorporates in a written warranty a requirement that the consumer resort
to such procedure before pursuing any legal remedy under this section respecting such warranty, then
(i) the consumer may not commence a civil action (other than a class action)
under subsection (d) of this section unless he initially resorts to such procedure; and
(ii) a class of consumers may not proceed in a class action under subsection
(d) of this section except to the extent the court determines necessary to establish the representative
capacity of the named plaintiffs, unless the named plaintiffs (upon notifying the defendant that they are
named plaintiffs in a class action with respect to a warranty obligation) initially resort to such procedure.
In the case of such a class action which is brought in a district court of the United States, the
representative capacity of the named plaintiffs shall be established in the application of rule 23 of the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. In any civil action arising out of a warranty obligation and relating to a
matter considered in such a procedure, any decision in such procedure shall be admissible in
evidence.
(4) The Commission on its own initiative may, or upon written complaint filed by
any interested person shall, review the bona fide operation of any dispute settlement procedure resort to which
is stated in a written warranty to be a prerequisite to pursuing a legal remedy under this section.
If the Commission finds that such procedure or its implementation fails to comply
with the requirements of the rules under paragraph (2), the Commission may take appropriate remedial action under
any authority it may have under this chapter or any other provision of law.
(5) Until rules under paragraph (2) take effect, this subsection shall not affect
the validity of any informal dispute settlement procedure respecting consumer warranties, but in any action under
subsection (d) of this section, the court may invalidate any such procedure if it finds that such procedure is
unfair.
(b) Prohibited acts It shall be a violation of section 45(a)(1) of this title for
any person to fail to comply with any requirement imposed on such person by this chapter (or a rule thereunder) or
to violate any prohibition contained in this chapter (or a rule thereunder).
(c) Injunction proceedings by Attorney General or Commission for deceptive warranty,
noncompliance with requirements, or violating prohibitions; procedures; definitions
(1) The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction of any action
brought by the Attorney General (in his capacity as such), or by the Commission by any of its attorneys
designated by it for such purpose, to restrain
(A) any warrantor from making a deceptive warranty with respect to a consumer
product, or
(B) any person from failing to comply with any requirement imposed on such
person by or pursuant to this chapter or from violating any prohibition contained in this chapter. Upon proper
showing that, weighing the equities and considering the Commission's or Attorney General's likelihood of
ultimate success, such action would be in the public interest and after notice to the defendant, a temporary
restraining order or preliminary injunction may be granted without bond. In the case of an action brought by
the Commission, if a complaint under section 45 of this title is not filed within such period (not exceeding 10
days) as may be specified by the court after the issuance of the temporary restraining order or preliminary
injunction, the order or injunction shall be dissolved by the court and be of no further force and effect. Any
suit shall be brought in the district in which such person resides or transacts business. Whenever it appears
to the court that the ends of justice require that other persons should be parties in the action, the court may
cause them to be summoned whether or not they reside in the district in which the court is held, and to that
end process may be served in any district.
(2) For the purposes of this subsection, the term ''deceptive warranty''
means
(A) a written warranty which (i) contains an affirmation, promise, description,
or representation which is either false or fraudulent, or which, in light of all of the circumstances, would
mislead a reasonable individual exercising due care; or (ii) fails to contain information which is necessary in
light of all of the circumstances, to make the warranty not misleading to a reasonable individual exercising
due care; or
(B) a written warranty created by the use of such terms as ''guaranty'' or
''warranty'', if the terms and conditions of such warranty so limit its scope and application as to deceive a
reasonable individual.
(d) Civil action by consumer for damages, etc.; jurisdiction; recovery of costs and
expenses; cognizable claims
(1) Subject to subsections (a)(3) and (e) of this section, a consumer who is
damaged by the failure of a supplier, warrantor, or service contractor to comply with any obligation under this
chapter, or under a written warranty, implied warranty, or service contract, may bring suit for damages and other
legal and equitable relief -
(A) in any court of competent jurisdiction in any State or the District of
Columbia; or
(B) in an appropriate district court of the United States, subject to paragraph
(3) of this subsection.
(2) If a consumer finally prevails in any action brought under paragraph (1) of
this subsection, he may be allowed by the court to recover as part of the judgment a sum equal to the aggregate
amount of cost and expenses (including attorneys' fees based on actual time expended) determined by the court to
have been reasonably incurred by the plaintiff for or in connection with the commencement and prosecution of such
action, unless the court in its discretion shall determine that such an award of attorneys' fees would be
inappropriate.
(3) No claim shall be cognizable in a suit brought under paragraph (1)(B) of this
subsection -
(A) if the amount in controversy of any individual claim is less than the sum or
value of $25;
(B) if the amount in controversy is less than the sum or value of $50,000
(exclusive of interests and costs) computed on the basis of all claims to be determined in this suit;
or
(C) if the action is brought as a class action, and the number of named
plaintiffs is less than one hundred.
(e) Class actions; conditions; procedures applicable
No action (other than a class action or an action respecting a warranty to which subsection (a)(3) of this section
applies) may be brought under subsection (d) of this section for failure to comply with any obligation under any
written or implied warranty or service contract, and a class of consumers may not proceed in a class action under
such subsection with respect to such a failure except to the extent the court determines necessary to establish the
representative capacity of the named plaintiffs, unless the person obligated under the warranty or service contract
is afforded a reasonable opportunity to cure such failure to comply. In the case of such a class action (other than
a class action respecting a warranty to which subsection (a)(3) of this section applies) brought under subsection
(d) of this section for breach of any written or implied warranty or service contract, such reasonable opportunity
will be afforded by the named plaintiffs and they shall at that time notify the defendant that they are acting on
behalf of the class. In the case of such a class action which is brought in a district court of the United States,
the representative capacity of the named plaintiffs shall be established in the application of rule 23 of the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
(f) Warrantors subject to enforcement of remedies
For purposes of this section, only the warrantor actually making a written affirmation of fact, promise, or
undertaking shall be deemed to have created a written warranty, and any rights arising thereunder may be enforced
under this section only against such warrantor and no other person.
Section 2311. Applicability to other laws
(a) Federal Trade Commission Act and Federal Seed Act
(1) Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to repeal, invalidate, or
supersede the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) or any statute defined therein as an Antitrust
Act.
(2) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to repeal, invalidate, or supersede
the Federal Seed Act (7 U.S.C. 1551 et seq.) and nothing in this chapter shall apply to seed for
planting.
(b) Rights, remedies, and liabilities
(1) Nothing in this chapter shall invalidate or restrict any right or remedy of
any consumer under State law or any other Federal law.
(2) Nothing in this chapter (other than sections 2308 and 2304(a)(2) and (4) of
this title) shall (A) affect the liability of, or impose liability on, any person for personal injury, or (B)
supersede any provision of State law regarding consequential damages for injury to the person or other
injury.
(c) State warranty laws
(1) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section and in paragraph (2) of
this subsection, a State requirement -
(A) which relates to labeling or disclosure with respect to written warranties
or performance thereunder;
(B) which is within the scope of an applicable requirement of sections 2302,
2303, and 2304 of this title (and rules implementing such sections), and
(C) which is not identical to a requirement of section 2302, 2303, or 2304 of
this title (or a rule thereunder), shall not be applicable to written warranties complying with such sections
(or rules thereunder).
(2) If, upon application of an appropriate State agency, the Commission determines
(pursuant to rules issued in accordance with section 2309 of this title) that any requirement of such State
covering any transaction to which this chapter applies
(A) affords protection to consumers greater than the requirements of this
chapter and
(B) does not unduly burden interstate commerce, then such State requirement
shall be applicable (notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection) to the extent
specified in such determination for so long as the State administers and enforces effectively any such greater
requirement.
(d) Other Federal warranty laws This chapter (other than section 2302(c) of this
title) shall be inapplicable to any written warranty the making or content of which is otherwise governed by
Federal law. If only a portion of a written warranty is so governed by Federal law, the remaining portion shall be
subject to this chapter.
Section 2312. Effective dates
(a) Effective date of chapter
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this chapter shall take effect 6 months after January 4,
1975, but shall not apply to consumer products manufactured prior to such date.
(b) Effective date of section 2302(a)
Section 2302(a) of this title shall take effect 6 months after the final publication of rules respecting such
section; except that the Commission, for good cause shown, may postpone the applicability of such sections until
one year after such final publication in order to permit any designated classes of suppliers to bring their written
warranties into compliance with rules promulgated pursuant to this chapter.
(c) Promulgation of rules
The Commission shall promulgate rules for initial implementation of this chapter as soon as possible after January
4, 1975, but in no event later than one year after such date.