Post-Christmas Returns in Brazil: What the Law Guarantees as Delivery Delays Persist

Overview

• Correios workers have been on strike since December 17, and late deliveries are treated as offer noncompliance under Article 35, allowing consumers to demand delivery, accept an equivalent item, or cancel with refund and possible damages.
• For remote purchases, Article 49 grants a seven‑day right of withdrawal from receipt with full reimbursement including freight, and suppliers must clearly facilitate the return process.
• For defective products, consumers have 30 days to complain for non‑durables and 90 days for durables; suppliers have 30 days to fix, after which the buyer may choose replacement, refund with correction, or proportional price reduction, with essential goods requiring immediate solution.
• In physical stores, exchanges for size, color or preference are a voluntary policy that must be clearly disclosed, and promotional items may have stated limits that do not override legal warranty rights for defects.
• When issues are not resolved directly, authorities advise filing complaints with regional Procons or via Consumidor.gov.br, where conciliation is attempted and companies face response deadlines and possible administrative penalties.