New labels will clarify warranty rights for German shoppers
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Starting September 27, stores across the European Union, including Germany, will display two new labels on product shelves.
These labels aim to provide shoppers with clear information about their consumer rights and the duration of a manufacturer’s warranty. Previously, customers often had to seek out this information themselves after a purchase. The new system places this information at the point of sale, directly beside the product.
One label is a blue EU symbol reminding buyers of their legal right to a minimum two-year guarantee against defective products. This legal protection covers items that don’t match their description, don’t function correctly, or had a fault at the time of purchase, allowing customers to request repair, replacement, a price reduction, or a refund. A QR code on the blue label will link to the “Your Europe” portal for country-specific details.
The second label, called “GARAN,” will display the number of years a manufacturer guarantees a product will function beyond the standard two-year legal protection. The European Commission dictates the label’s appearance, ensuring consistent display across stores. This “GARAN” label will only appear on products with a warranty exceeding the two-year legal minimum, and must cover the entire device, not just parts. The new rules seek to help consumers distinguish between legal protection and voluntary manufacturer warranties.
