In recent days, Colombia’s Consumer Protection Authority issued a resolution modifying several Titles of the Unified Circular. The changes focus on three areas: warranties, consumer service mechanisms, and personal data protection, applying to manufacturers, importers, dealerships, workshops, spare parts retailers, and providers in various sectors.
Regarding warranties, minimum terms were established depending on the type of vehicle: twelve months or twenty thousand kilometers for private and commercial cars; between four and six months for public service vehicles; and six months or six thousand kilometers for motorcycles, scooters, and motocarros, except for those intended for sports competitions, which are excluded.
The resolution also requires the implementation of institutional mechanisms, documented and accessible through both physical and digital channels, for receiving and processing PQRs (petitions, complaints, and claims). These must include clear response times, prior technical opinions in cases of refunds or replacements, and detailed records for each vehicle. Similar rules now apply to suppliers of household appliances and gas appliances.
Additionally, sellers of used private service vehicles must complete and provide consumers with a standardized warranty guide, either in physical or digital format, with proof of delivery.
Finally, obligations regarding personal data protection have been reinforced, including stricter identity verifications and periodic updates to the National Database Registry.
The resolution will enter into force ten business days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
