Samsung WDJ1255C Immediate Withdrawal from Sale

February 10th, 2008

Laundry

Samsung have run into a labelling issue on the Samsung WDJ1255C and as a result we and other retailers have been asked to temporarily withdraw this model from sale to the marketplace.

We have been assured that they will have the correct labels by Monday afternoon (11.02.08). This model can then continue to be sold. We are sorry for the inconvenience. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Appliances Online on 1300 000 500.

Samsung has advised the following:

• The Samsung WDJ1255C Washer/Dryer Combo must not be sold to the public because it does not have a mandatory safety warning label fitted. This label relates to precautions which should be taken when using the dryer function and refers them to the instruction book for further information.
• Retailers are being asked to withdraw from sale these units whilst we urgently arrange for an adequate supply of labels for the re-work.
• Retailers need not contact consumers who have already bought the Samsung WDJ1255C at this time.
• DSMs should reiterate to their accounts that they must not sell the Samsung WDJ1255C to the public until the appropriate label is attached.

The text of the letter being sent to retailers follows below; a brief FAQ follows the text of the letter:

Samsung WDJ1255C Washer/Dryer Combo

Missing Warning label (Safety Issue)

We have been advised by the Office of Fair Trading (Energy/ Safety section) that it has been reported to them that the above model currently being sold in the market, may not have a mandatory consumer warning label fitted.

The warning label has the international fire hazard symbol in addition to “read the instructions” and relates to precautions which should be observed by the customer when using the dryer function.

The OFT have further advised that under electrical safety legislation it is illegal for units which do not have the label attached to be offered for sale.

The purpose of this letter is to inform you of the situation and also to advise you of your responsibility concerning this matter. Please refer to the bullet points below.

With immediate effect, please:

• remove all Samsung WDJ1255C Washer/Dryers from display; and
• contact your DSM or our Sales Order Desk on 1300 369 600 to advise your stock on hand in order to account for the number of units requiring labels.

Samsung Electronics Australia Pty Ltd apologize for this inconvenience and assure you there will be a supply of labels by the end of this week for application to the affected units.

Samsung Korea is currently investigating the cause of this oversight by the factory and will ensure that all future production will be correctly labelled.

In the interim, whilst this issue is being resolved, we have suspended sale of the Samsung WDJ1255C from our inventory.

You are not required to recall units that have already been sold to customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the product being withdrawn from sale?
A: The product must have a mandatory consumer warning label attached.
This label has not been attached during production to the products front panel.

Q: Is there a fault with the Samsung WDJ1255C?
A: There is no fault with the product; it is a labelling compliance issue.

Q: When is it illegal to sell the product?
A: From now until the warning label is attached to the individual unit being offered for sale.

Q: What do retailers do with the product until the re-work is affected?
A: All products must be immediately removed from display.

Q: What do retailers need to do about people who have already purchased the Samsung WDJ1255C?
A: At this point, there is no need for retailers to do anything in regard to consumers. Should a consumer ask the retailer about their purchase, simply refer them to the Customer Care Centre on 1300 362 603.

Q: What am I expected to do?
A: DSMs should contact their accounts and remind them not to sell the product and find out how much stock is on hand. Then, work with the customer to affect the rework.

If you have any further questions please contact Appliances Online on 1300 000 500.