Slovak retailers face new consumer information obligations

Starting September 27, retailers in both physical stores and online platforms must adhere to new information obligations regarding legal liability for defects. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in fines from the Slovak Trade Inspection, and incorrect claims regarding product durability or repairability could be classified as unfair commercial practices.

New regulations introduce the GARAN label, a European designation for manufacturers providing a voluntary durability guarantee exceeding two years. While legal liability for defects typically lasts 24 months (or a minimum of 12 months for used goods), the durability guarantee is a separate voluntary commitment from the manufacturer covering the product's ability to maintain performance during normal use.

Legal expert Matej Škultéty notes that these two forms of protection coexist; a manufacturer's durability guarantee does not replace or restrict a consumer's statutory rights. Consumers may choose to utilize either protection, and the terms of a durability guarantee must not be less favorable than those stated in advertisements or warranty declarations.