WASHINGTON – On September 24th, President Obama signed into law S. 1359, The E-Warranty Act of 2015. The E-Warranty Act, was introduced by U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.). This bill modernizes warranty requirements and allow manufacturers to save paper and printing costs by posting warranties online. It passed the Senate unanimously on July 9 and was agreed to in the House of Representatives by a vote of 388-2 on September 8.

Senator Fischer released the following statement:

“To remain competitive in the era of the Internet of Things, we must be able to streamline and modernize redundant regulations. The E-Warranty Act is a bipartisan success because it brings common-sense solutions to outdated rules.

“The world is changing. Our technology is getting smaller, faster, and more efficient. Our laws must follow suit.”

Senator Nelson released the following statement:

“Consumers and businesses will now have the ability to take advantage of new and improving online technologies to help with their commerce.”

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules are unclear as to whether manufacturers are permitted to meet their warranty notice requirements online. The E-Warranty Act streamlines warranty notice rules and provides explicit direction to manufacturers, making it clear that they have the option to meet their warranty requirements on their company’s website. The online option:

Provides relief to manufacturers and sellers to improve efficiency.

Senator Fischer has been a champion in the Senate for modernizing manufacturing requirements. Her E-LABEL Act, which was signed into law last Congress, mirrors the principles in the E-Warranty Act.

Click here to view text of S. 1359 – The E-Warranty Act.