From 27 September 2026, consumers across the European Union will benefit from clearer information on their rights regarding product warranties. The new implementing regulation enforces a harmonised system requiring all retailers—both physical and online—to display a standardised notice explaining the legal minimum two-year warranty that covers all consumer goods within the EU. Additionally, manufacturers offering warranties exceeding this minimum can voluntarily use a new label called EU GARAN to highlight enhanced commercial guarantees.

This legislation, driven by the European Commission within the framework of consumer empowerment for the ecological transition, aims to support more informed purchasing decisions, encourage longer-lasting products, and promote sustainable consumption. Notably, Spain goes beyond this EU-wide standard by guaranteeing a minimum of three years’ warranty on new products, offering shoppers greater protection.

Mandatory warranty information in all retail outlets

Under the new rules effective from 27 September 2026, every seller of consumer goods in the EU must prominently display a harmonised notice detailing customers’ legal warranty rights. This information explains that products sold in the EU come with a minimum two-year statutory warranty, while countries such as Spain provide longer coverage. The notice is available in every official EU language and should be clearly visible to consumers; in brick-and-mortar stores, it could appear on wall posters or near payment counters.

Online retailers must integrate this notice visibly on their websites—ideally on the homepage, product pages, or during checkout—to ensure consumers are informed before purchase completion. The standardised format specifies that warranty periods can vary by member state and outlines common scenarios where consumers can invoke their rights, the remedies sellers must provide, and actionable steps for obtaining compensation.

This obligation addresses the frequent confusion between statutory and commercial warranties, reducing uncertainty and disputes. Previously, many buyers wrongly believed that voluntary manufacturer guarantees replaced their legal rights, complicating claims.

EU GARAN label for extended warranties

Alongside the mandatory notice, the Commission introduces the voluntary EU GARAN label for manufacturers granting commercial warranties that exceed the legal minimum. To qualify, a commercial warranty must cover the entire product, extend beyond the minimum statutory period, and be provided at no extra cost to the consumer.

This measure prevents misleading claims where extended warranties add little value over legal protections. The EU GARAN label is also available in all EU languages, with its use becoming compulsory from 27 September 2026 for companies offering such enhanced guarantees. The initiative supports consumers in identifying more durable products, encourages manufacturers to improve product quality, and promotes responsible consumption aligned with the circular economy.

The harmonised warranty notice and EU GARAN label function in tandem, referring to each other to delineate legal rights versus additional voluntary protections. This clarity helps buyers distinguish between their statutory rights and extra benefits from manufacturers.

Display requirements for sellers

Retailers operating physical stores must place the harmonised notice where customers can easily see it, such as on wall signs, near cash registers, or at service desks. The notice’s format is fixed and cannot be altered to ensure consistent information across the EU. Online platforms need to highlight the notice prominently on their websites before purchase is finalised; it cannot be buried in terms and conditions or hard-to-find sections.

If a seller also offers an extended commercial warranty confirmed by the EU GARAN label, both the notice and label must be clearly shown and differentiated. The label may appear directly on the product, its packaging, or accompanying documentation, ensuring the consumer recognises the added warranty before buying.

Consumer rights for defective products

Consumers whose products are defective or fail to conform to the purchase contract have several remedies available at no cost. Initially, they can request the product to be repaired or replaced, with sellers responsible for all associated expenses, including transport costs.

If repair or replacement is impossible or disproportionate relative to the defect, the consumer may seek a price reduction or cancel the contract for a full refund. This approach ensures buyers have protection regardless of specific circumstances.

Consumers must notify the seller of defects within a reasonable time after discovery. The rules presume defects appearing during the warranty period existed at delivery unless proven otherwise, relieving buyers from having to demonstrate that the fault was not caused by misuse.