European Union introduces new consumer warranty labels

The European Union is implementing new mandatory labeling requirements for consumer goods to clarify rights regarding product warranties. Effective September 27, 2026, these regulations apply to both physical stores and online retailers across member states.

The initiative introduces two distinct types of information to prevent confusion between legal rights and commercial offers. The first is a mandatory notice regarding the legal guarantee, which ensures consumers are aware of their statutory rights when a product is defective or does not meet advertised standards. In Spain, for example, this legal guarantee for new products is three years.

The second is the 'EU GARAN' label, which is not mandatory for all products but is reserved for items where the manufacturer provides a free commercial durability guarantee exceeding two years that covers the entire product. This label is intended to help consumers distinguish between the minimum legal protections provided by law and additional voluntary services offered by brands.