WarrantyARK“Guarantee”, “warranty”, “2 years”, a new label with a leaf‑green tick… When you buy something in the EU, several protections overlap. Here's what each one actually means — and how to make sure you can use them when something goes wrong.
1. The legal guarantee of conformity — your baseline right
This is the big one, and it's automatic and free. Anywhere in the EU, goods you buy come with a legal guarantee of at least two years. If a product doesn't match its description or simply doesn't work as it should, the seller — not the manufacturer — is responsible.
Within that period you're generally entitled to a free repair or replacement, and in some cases a price reduction or full refund. You don't pay extra for this protection; it's part of buying the product. (For second‑hand goods the period can be shorter, but never less than one year.)
Rule of thumb: if it breaks or was faulty within two years, go back to the seller first — the legal guarantee is on your side.
2. A commercial guarantee — an optional extra
A commercial guarantee (sometimes called a “manufacturer's warranty”) is voluntary. A producer or seller may offer it on top of your legal rights — for example “5 years on the motor”. It can be a genuine benefit, but it never replaces or reduces the legal guarantee. If a commercial guarantee is more limited than the law, the law still wins.
3. The new durability label — “this is built to last”
From 27 September 2026, EU stores will start showing a new harmonised durability label on products whose maker offers a free, whole‑product durability guarantee longer than two years. You'll recognise it by the “GARAN” mark with a number of years. It's designed to help you compare products at a glance and reward things that are made to last — part of the EU's push against throwaway culture.
What those QR codes are for
The official guarantee notice you'll see on product pages includes a QR code. Scan it and you'll reach the EU's “Your Europe” portal, which explains your rights in your country's specific rules. It's a quick way to check where you stand before contacting a seller.
What to do when something breaks
- Contact the seller as soon as you notice the problem, and describe the fault.
- Show proof of purchase — a receipt, invoice or bank statement.
- Ask for a free repair or replacement first; escalate to a price reduction or refund if that isn't resolved.
- Keep a record of dates and messages in case you need to follow up.
The catch? Most of us lose the receipt, forget when the guarantee ends, or can't face the paperwork. That's exactly the gap WarrantyARK closes.
How WarrantyARK keeps your guarantees usable
WarrantyARK is a free app that gives every warranty a home:
- One vault for receipts and guarantees — snap a photo and the app reads the product, date and warranty for you (with Plus).
- Add to WarrantyARK — buy from a partner store and your purchase is saved automatically, no typing.
- Reminders before a guarantee expires, so you act while you're still covered (Plus).
- Guided, AI‑assisted claims — the app helps you write to the seller and track the response (Plus).
Start free with up to 30 warranties; go unlimited with Plus for €19.90 a year.
Never lose a guarantee again
Keep every warranty in one place — and actually use your rights.
Launch the app →This article is general information, not legal advice. Your exact rights depend on your country's implementation of EU consumer law; see the EU's “Your Europe” portal or a qualified adviser for specifics.
← Back to WarrantyARK