EU GARAN label from 27 September 2026 who needs to display it and how to prepare it for each product

A product is advertised with a “five-year guarantee.” Does that mean it needs a GARAN label? Not necessarily. The answer depends on who offers the guarantee, what it covers, and whether the customer pays extra for it. For producers and retailers, this distinction matters even more when a store sells hundreds of models with different guarantee terms. From 27 September 2026, the harmonised EU GARAN label applies to products for which the producer offers a commercial guarantee of durability lasting more than two years, at no additional cost to the consumer, and covering the entire product. When all these conditions are met, the label must be used to communicate the producer's commitment. The European Commission explains the rules for producers and sellers. What is the EU GARAN label GARAN is an EU product label with a standardised design. It shows, in years, the length of the commercial durability guarantee offered by the producer for a particular model. A common format helps shoppers notice and compare this information before they buy. The label does not replace the legal guarantee of conformity. The legal guarantee protects consumers under applicable law and concerns their relationship with the seller. A commercial guarantee of durability is an additional commitment by the producer, subject to its own terms. To qualify for the GARAN label, that commitment must cover the whole product, last longer than two years and involve no additional cost to the consumer. There is also a separate harmonised EU notice about the legal guarantee. This provides general information to shoppers and should not be confused with the product-specific GARAN label. A store may need to prepare both the general notice and GARAN labels for eligible models. When do you need the GARAN label Check each model individually. The label applies when all four of the following conditions are satisfied:

1. The producer offers the durability guarantee. Check the guarantee documents and the information supplied to distributors.
2. It lasts longer than two years. A guarantee of exactly two years does not meet this threshold.
3. It is free to the consumer. A paid extension does not automatically qualify.
4. It covers the entire product. A longer guarantee only for an engine, compressor or another component does not justify displaying the label for the whole product.

For example, “10-year motor guarantee” on a washing machine does not, by itself, qualify the machine for a GARAN label. If the producer guarantees the entire washing machine for five years at no additional cost, the duration, coverage and cost conditions may be met. Check the actual guarantee statement before publishing a label. Which details go on the label The official template allows three fields to be completed: the guarantee period in years, the producer's brand or trademark, and the model identifier. The other graphic elements, including the GARAN title, symbols and QR code, are part of the standardised design and should not be redesigned to suit a store's branding. Pay particular attention to the model identifier. If your catalog contains internal SKUs, supplier codes and marketing names, use an identifier that clearly connects the label to the model covered by the producer's guarantee. Do not populate an extended duration automatically from a generic advertising claim. For a printed label, the minimum size is 95 × 100 mm. Physical stores may use the colour or black-and-white version. Online, the label must appear in colour; the permitted nested presentation should expand on interaction. The European Commission provides practical guidelines and official artwork. How can you prepare labels for a large product catalog You can complete a few labels individually. For a larger catalog, organising your data before generating the artwork saves time and lowers the risk of displaying an incorrect guarantee period:

1. Request a list of eligible models and their guarantee terms from your producers.
2. Verify that each guarantee covers the whole product, lasts longer than two years and is offered at no additional cost.
3. Standardise the brand name, model identifier and duration in years in your catalog.
4. Generate a label for each model and visually inspect samples, particularly those with long names.
5. Attach the correct label to the correct model in the store, on its product page and in relevant sales materials.
6. Review labels whenever a producer changes guarantee terms or model identifiers.

With GARAN GENERATOR, you can enter models one by one or import an Excel or CSV file containing the brand, model identifier and period. The tool lets you review labels before saving and download them as SVG or PNG, in colour or black and white. SVG is useful when you need scalable artwork for print; for an online store, prepare the colour version at an appropriate display size. This is an independent service built around templates published by the European Commission, not an official Commission portal. Common mistakes to avoid Confusing the legal and commercial guarantees. The legal guarantee does not mean every product in a store needs a GARAN label. Labelling a product when only one component is covered. “10 years for the compressor” and “10 years for the entire refrigerator” are different claims. Using a duration without confirming the producer's terms. A retailer promotion or a paid protection plan does not automatically represent the commitment required for GARAN. Using one label for different models. The producer brand, model identifier and years shown must match the actual product offered to the buyer. Changing the standard artwork. Freely redrawing the label can omit elements that the harmonised format keeps fixed. Frequently asked questions about the GARAN label Is the GARAN label required for every product sold in the EU No. It applies when the producer gives a free commercial durability guarantee covering the entire product for more than two years. The harmonised notice about the legal guarantee is a separate general information requirement. Does a paid extended warranty qualify for a GARAN label A separately purchased extension does not meet the condition that the durability guarantee be offered at no additional cost to the consumer. Can I use the same GARAN label for several products Only if the producer's brand, model identifier and duration exactly match every product concerned. In practice, create and check labels model by model. Can an online store display the label in black and white No. The official guidance requires colour for online use; black and white is permitted for physical display. Get eligible models ready ahead of time Start with information confirmed by producers, then generate and check labels against the products in your catalog. Whether you need one label or hundreds, create a GARAN GENERATOR account and try the first label for free. If guarantee terms are unclear, ask the producer to clarify them before displaying the label. Editorial reference sources: Your Europe — the EU legal guarantee notice and GARAN label · European Commission — practical guidelines and vector files · Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1960.