Citing the company's after-sale clauses, the watchdog said that customers have to agree that Apple repairers can make us of used or reconditioned parts to replace damaged components in iPhones or iPads during the repair process.
The customers also have to agree that replaced parts will be retained by Apple, which is believed to probably reuse these parts to repair other products, a report commissioned by the watchdog claimed - although retaining "faulty" components is hardly unusual and it would unclear why customers should be expected to receive them in the first place.
However, the company will also not cover any damage occurring during delivery process.
Chen Beiyuan, an expert on consumer rights protection with the council, told China Daily that these clauses violated China's national mobile phone repair and return regulations, the Contract Law as well as the Consumer Right Protection Law.
"These overbearing clauses are imposed on consumers, which are illegal and unreasonable," said Chen.
The council requested the company to notify consumers in written form that all parts used to fix products should be brand new, and replace a new product or refund to customers if an item requires two or more repairs.
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