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EPSON TRANSLATION OF "CONSUMENTENBOND" PRESS RELEASE OF 18 JULY
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Press release

Dutch Consumers' Association feels that sanction is not necessary after EPSON's explanation.

Advice against Epson's inkjet printers called off.

The Dutch Consumers' Association no longer advises consumers against purchasing EPSON inkjet printers. The much-debated residual ink is not a malicious practice. Negative purchasing advice is therefore unfounded. The Consumers' Association regrets the fact that due to their earlier negative purchasing advice an incorrect image of EPSON has developed in the market and that EPSON has suffered damages because of that. This is the outcome of discussions that EPSON and the Consumers' Association have had this week.

After carrying out a survey regarding ink cartridges, the Consumers' Association concluded that ink remains in printers of all brands once a warning is given that the cartridge should be replaced. EPSON's inkjet printers even stop printing. In discussions with the Consumers' Association EPSON has shown that what was considered to be a technological disadvantage for consumers, is in fact a technological advantage. The buffer of the residual ink guarantees a constant quality of print-outs and protects the print-head at the same time. During the discussions EPSON gave a sound explanation of their safety margin. Consequently, the Consumers' Association does not want to accuse the printer manufacturer of 'devious tricks' anymore. The Consumers' Association no longer advises against the purchase of EPSON printers and will also inform its international sister organisations of this.

During the discussions the role of the chip in the ink cartridge was also brought up. Contrary to what the Consumers' Association formerly said, the presence of the chip is not to stop the printing, but to keep a record of the amount of ink still left in the cartridge. Since the introduction of the first EPSON inkjet printer it is the printer software that determines when a cartridge is considered empty and thus prevents further printing.

During the discussions EPSON indicated that consumer information - which is considered important by both parties - is also available via the Internet on www.epson.nl/consument.

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