New EU Information and Labeling Requirements: Mandatory Labels for Warranty and Guarantee as of 27.09.2026

Effective September 27, 2026, new EU-wide information and labeling requirements for retailers will come into force. The core of the reform is mandatory standardized EU labels for displaying warranty and guarantee information in B2C sales. The goal is transparent, uniform consumer information across the Union before contract conclusion.

What's new?

  • Warranty label (mandatory): Must be displayed with every sale to consumers. It provides standardized information about the statutory defect liability (usually two years).

  • Guarantee label (optional if a guarantee is offered): Only required if a voluntary retailer or manufacturer guarantee exists. Includes, among other things, the duration of the guarantee, guarantor, product reference, and a QR code with additional information.

Design and Presentation

  • No design freedom: Layout, colors, texts, and structure are bindingly specified. Adjustments to the corporate design are not permitted.

  • Online Shops: Prominent placement before the contract declaration (e.g., in the product detail or checkout). Color representation is mandatory.

  • Brick-and-Mortar Retail: Visible attachment to the product or shelf; minimum sizes must be observed. Black-and-white representation is permissible.

Relevance for Retailers

  • Adjustments to shop systems, product data, and possibly marketplace integrations are necessary.

  • Incorrect, missing, or differently designed labels pose a significant warning risk.

  • Internal processes (product maintenance, guarantee management, customer service) should be reviewed and adjusted in a timely manner.

Conclusion:

The new EU regulations increase transparency in consumer protection but significantly tighten the formal requirements for retailers. Early technical and legal implementation planning is advisable to avoid compliance risks by the deadline of 27.09.2026.

These legal news do not constitute legal advice. If you are uncertain, we recommend hiring a lawyer. More information on this new legislation can be found here.