Handelsblatt2 hours agoBusiness2 min readGermany

New EU labels inform consumers about warranty and guarantee claims

Since September 27th, retailers have had to use two uniform labels that provide information about legal rights and voluntary guarantees

Quick Look

From September 27th, two new labels will be mandatory throughout the EU: the warranty label indicates the statutory two-year warranty, and the GARAN label indicates voluntary manufacturer guarantees over two years.
They are intended to give consumers clear information about their rights in the event of product defects, such as a washing machine that breaks down quickly.

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Why It Matters

Since September 27th, retailers in the EU have had to use two new labels: the warranty label indicates the statutory two-year warranty, and the GARAN label indicates voluntary manufacturer guarantees over two years. They are intended to give consumers clear information about their rights in the event of product defects.

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Does the new washing machine give up after just a few weeks? It should now be easier for them to see what rights consumers have. Two labels are now mandatory for this.

What can consumers do if they have problems? The label also explains this. (Symbolic image) Photo: Jan Woitas/dpa

Brussels. Whether strolling or shopping online: customers now come across two new labels when shopping. They provide information about what rights consumers have in the event of problems - for example if the washing machine or smartphone breaks quickly.

Anyone who sells consumer goods must now (since September 27th) use the “warranty label” to indicate, for example at the checkout, that consumers have legal rights for at least two years. If there is a warranty claim, consumers are entitled to free repairs or replacements.

If a manufacturer also gives a voluntary guarantee on the durability of a product, he will have to label it with the so-called GARAN label in the future. In this way, consumers should quickly see how many years everything should work perfectly - and if not, the manufacturer will repair or replace it free of charge. The obligation applies to voluntary commercial guarantees that are valid for more than two years, cover all goods and do not cost consumers any additional money.

The two labels have the same design throughout the EU so that they can be easily recognized.

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Open Questions

How is compliance with the label requirement monitored?
What sanctions are there if the labels are not used?
How well known are the new labels among consumers at the moment?