How does the Apple Headphones with Remote Replacement Program non-return fee work?

I have a pair of Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic that I purchased a year ago. According to the "Apple Headphones with Remote Replacement Program", http://www.apple.com/support/headphones/replacementprogram/, these headphones are also covered in the program. Currently, there are some issues with my headphone's remote, as it is extremely unresponsive. I don't know how Apple determines the headphone's purchase date, but their online service request page accepts my iPhone's serial number. Is there any way that i could ensure that Apple's willing to replace the headphones for free (E.g. mailing my current ones in first) because the non-return fee is basically its retail price. I do not live in the US so I can't go and exchange at an Apple Retail Store. Thanks in advance.