If this was ever true, it's been superceded by NAFTA, GATT, and probably a
number of other more modern trade agreements. Trust me on this. If a company
wants to import 20,000 computer monitors, they don't even have to make
arrangements for parts or service, only to exchange any defective units
during their stated warranty.

Like I said, company policy and market forces. We'd all like to think that
manufacturers are forced to support their products, but if this was ever
really true, it isn't anymore.

Mark Z.

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"Bob Monaghan" wrote in message
...

In U.S.A., the Magnuson-Moss Consumer Protection Act (orig. 1976 IIRC, as
amended ;-) sets requirements for support and service, basically an
extension of anti-trust laws in some areas, e.g., Mfger must provide parts
or manuals and so on to independent repair outlets even if in competition
with them etc. for various periods of time (typically 7 years on
photo gear, electronics etc.) after last sale in interstate commerce...

Usual workaround is to require a prohibitively large minimum order so only
bonafide repair shops will invest in manuals and repair parts etc. ;-)

hth bobm
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* Robert Monaghan POB 752182 Southern Methodist Univ. Dallas Tx 75275 *
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