Communications Authority Tightens Rules on Sale of Refurbished Phones and Laptops

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has introduced new rules requiring sellers of phones, laptops and other communication devices to clearly label refurbished products and provide a minimum one-year warranty on all electronic devices sold in Kenya.

The requirements are contained in the newly issued Communications Equipment Vendor Class Licence and are intended to prevent refurbished devices from being sold as new. Vendors must ensure that the packaging of refurbished products is permanently marked with the word "Refurbished" in a clear and visible way so that buyers can easily identify them.

The licence also requires every electronic device sold in Kenya to include a warranty of at least one year and a return policy that allows customers to request a refund or replacement if a product develops faults during the warranty period. Vendors must also maintain customer support services throughout the warranty period to assist buyers with any issues.

The new rules introduce stricter requirements for sourcing and selling communication devices. Vendors may only obtain stock from licensed distributors, while all devices must receive approval from the CA before they are sold. Online retailers must provide a verifiable physical address, email address and telephone number so that customers can contact them when necessary.

The Authority has also made official receipts mandatory for every sale, whether conducted online or in person. Receipts must include the seller's name, the device model, the serial number and the applicable warranty period.

The licence includes additional measures to strengthen compliance and improve environmental responsibility. Vendors must keep compliance records for at least three years, establish systems for handling customer complaints and provide information on the proper disposal of electronic waste.

The CA said it will enforce the new requirements through inspections of business premises, systems and records to ensure vendors comply with the licence conditions. Businesses that sell communication devices will be expected to meet the new standards across their operations.