Our 2.5 year old "high quality" Asko dishwasher has broken down (for the 2nd time).   The retailer we purchased from has gone out of business. 

According to the consumer guarantees act, the liability rests with the importer/official agent in such cases. 

Called the importer,  and they have given me the number for an independent service agent in my area. Called the service agent, and they don't know about the consumer guarantees act, and say I just have to pay them the full amount. This is probably fair, since they are independent to the importer. 

How should the consumer guarantees act apply? 

 Do I need to first tell the importer I want them to pay for the repair under the consumer guarantees act? 

If the importer refuses it could take several months to go to disputes, during which time we have no dishwasher (not an option with 3 kids).

Or, should I just use their service agent (it is their official agent), get it repaired, pay the service agent, then make a claim with the importer for the repair amount?   As I write this, it becomes obvious that this is what I need to do.