Apple Tweaks Taiwanese App Store Terms to Formalize 7-Day Return Policy

Late last month, we noted that Apple had reportedly begun offering a seven-day window for "returns" on App Store purchases in Taiwan, a move made in response to a notice from government officials requiring Apple to comply with consumer protection laws requiring such return policies.

As reported by IDG News, Apple has now formalized that policy, updating its terms and conditions for the Taiwanese Mac App Store, App Store, and iBookstore earlier this week to include language outlining the policy.

You may cancel your purchase within seven (7) days from the date of delivery and iTunes will reimburse you for the amount paid, provided you inform iTunes that you have deleted all copies of the product. Upon cancellation you will no longer be licensed to use the product. This right cannot be waived.

The change appears to be unique to the Taiwanese market, with Apple's terms and conditions documents for its stores in other countries making no mention of a similar policy. Apple does, however, routinely judge refund requests on a case-by-case basis and will frequently issue refunds for purchases made in error or in other select situations. Apple has even been said to be offering refunds on its own Final Cut Pro X apps to those customers dissatisfied with their purchases.

Google, which currently offers a standard 15-minute refund policy on Android app purchases, has resisted complying with the regulations, disagreeing with the government's interpretation of the consumer protection act. The city of Taipei has already fined Google nearly $35,000 over its failure to comply, and the company has appealed that fine as the two sides continue to discuss the situation.