When shopping for electronics, household appliances, or clothing, new European Union regulations will take effect on September 27, 2026. Starting on this date, both brick-and-mortar retailers and online shops will be required to display two standardized labels clarifying statutory guarantee rights and voluntary manufacturer warranties for consumers.
Clarifying Retailer Obligations vs. Voluntary Warranties
In practice, many consumers confuse statutory legal guarantees with commercial warranties. Statutory conformity—the seller’s liability for defects—is regulated across the EU, lasting at least two years for new goods, though individual member states may extend this period. The new legal guarantee label aims to make these rights transparent before a purchase, without altering the underlying legal framework.
The harmonized legal guarantee label cannot be modified in its design. It outlines the following points:
- the EU-wide minimum period of two years for new goods, along with references to potentially longer periods in individual countries,
- the conditions under which sellers are liable for defects,
- the seller’s obligations in the event of a complaint,
- actionable steps for consumers to enforce their claims,
- an integrated QR code directing consumers to further country-specific details.
Physical stores can present the label using displays or posters, for example. In print, the EU mandates at least an A4 format. Online retailers must integrate the information in color on their platforms. The only exceptions apply to routine everyday transactions completed immediately in brick-and-mortar stores, such as purchasing groceries or medication.
The GARAN Label for Extended Commercial Warranties
In addition, the EU is introducing the so-called GARAN label, as reported by Chip.de. Unlike statutory rights, a commercial guarantee is a voluntary commitment by the manufacturer. The new label becomes mandatory whenever a commercial guarantee of durability is provided to consumers free of charge, covers the entire product, and extends beyond two years.
The GARAN label must state the manufacturer’s name or brand, the exact model designation, and the guaranteed duration. If a durability guarantee excludes certain components, however, the GARAN label is strictly prohibited. In such cases, the information must be provided to customers separately and transparently.
What Consumers Should Keep in Mind
Consumers do not need to take action in advance. Starting September 27, 2026, however, paying close attention to these labels when buying devices such as smartphones, coffee machines, or headphones will prove worthwhile. The legal guarantee label simplifies lodging claims with retailers, while the GARAN label reveals at a glance whether a manufacturer voluntarily stands behind their entire product beyond the statutory two-year period.
Sources: Chip.de
