Meaning
Contractual guarantees specify the duration for which a printed or dyed material will maintain its color when exposed to light. Manufacturers offer a lightfastness warranty to assure buyers that the visual quality of the product will not degrade prematurely on store shelves or in use. This agreement defines the conditions of exposure and the maximum allowable color shift during the covered period.
It serves to allocate the risk of fading between the supplier and the distributor.
Performance Guarantee
Specific timeframes for color stability are established based on the results of standardized testing. The lightfastness warranty typically covers a period ranging from six months for seasonal items to several years for durable goods. If the product fails to meet these standards, the supplier is held responsible for the resulting losses.
This guarantee is often tied to the use of specific inks and substrates that have been certified for light resistance.
Duration Clause
Time limits on the guarantee are calculated based on the average light levels in the target market. A lightfastness warranty for products sold in sunny regions might require higher specifications than for those sold in northern climates. The duration is measured from the date of manufacture or the date of delivery to the retailer.
Contracts must clearly state how the aging process is monitored and what constitutes a failure. Verification often involves comparing the disputed goods against a master sample stored in a dark environment.
Remedy Obligation
Financial consequences for a breach of the guarantee include the replacement of the goods or a credit to the account of the buyer. Every lightfastness warranty should define whether the remedy includes the cost of shipping and labor for removing the failed items.
