Legal Guarantee

EU harmonised legal guarantee notice: minimum two-year legal guarantee protection for goods sold in the European Union

Minimum two-year legal guarantee protection for goods sold in the European Union

Consumers can claim their rights under the legal guarantee of conformity, for example if goods:

  • do not match the description;
  • do not function as intended.

Sellers are liable for any lack of conformity which existed when the goods were delivered, and which becomes apparent within the legal guarantee period. Sellers in such a situation are required to offer:

  • free repair or free replacement;
  • in some cases, a price reduction or full reimbursement.

Sellers and producers may also offer commercial guarantees, which apply independently from the legal guarantee. For example, you may see the GARAN label representing a commercial guarantee of durability offered by the producer at no additional cost and covering the entire good.

Some countries have a longer legal guarantee period. For second-hand goods, a shorter period may apply, but not less than one year.

What to do if you receive non-conforming goods

  1. Contact the seller as soon as possible to report the issue.
  2. Provide proof of purchase, such as a receipt, invoice, or bank statement.

For more information on your rights in a specific country, visit europa.eu/youreurope/guarantees.