Legal guarantee notice vs. GARAN-Label – the difference explained simply
The terms "legal guarantee notice" and "guarantee label" (or "GARAN-Label") are often used interchangeably, but they refer to two distinct legal obligations with different requirements. This page explains the difference in a few minutes and helps you work out which label you actually need.
Quick comparison
| Legal guarantee notice | Guarantee label (GARAN-Label) | |
|---|---|---|
| Example |  |  |
| Required for | All B2C sellers | Only with a voluntary manufacturer guarantee >2 years |
| Content | Statutory liability for defects | Brand, model, guarantee duration |
| Customisable? | No, identical for everyone | Yes, individual per product |
| Cost | Free (static) | Per generated label (GARAN-Label.com) |
| Legal basis | Directive (EU) 2019/771, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1960 | Same regulation, Annex II |
What is the legal guarantee notice?
The legal guarantee notice is the statutory notice on the two-year liability for defects under Directive (EU) 2019/771. It applies to every B2C seller of physical goods in the EU, regardless of whether an additional manufacturer guarantee is offered. Its content is identical for every seller and available as an official template in all 24 EU official languages.
What is the guarantee label (GARAN-Label)?
The guarantee label, also called GARAN-Label, only applies if you advertise a voluntary, free manufacturer guarantee of more than two years. Unlike the legal guarantee notice, it's individual: it contains the brand, model, and the specific guarantee duration of your product, and must be generated separately for each product.
Do I need both?
- Do you sell physical goods to consumers in the EU? Then you always need the legal guarantee notice, regardless of any manufacturer guarantee.
- Do you also advertise a manufacturer guarantee of more than two years that covers the entire good free of charge? Then you additionally need the guarantee label (GARAN-Label) for that product.
- Is your manufacturer guarantee two years or less, or do you not offer one at all? Then the legal guarantee notice alone is sufficient.
What happens if I mix them up or use them incorrectly?
A missing, incorrect, or incomplete label counts as a competition law violation and can lead to cease-and-desist warnings from competitors or consumer protection associations. This also applies if you advertise a manufacturer guarantee without providing the required guarantee label and the corresponding guarantee terms.
Which label do you need?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to use both the legal guarantee notice and the guarantee label?
The legal guarantee notice is mandatory for every B2C seller. The guarantee label only comes on top if you advertise a voluntary manufacturer guarantee of more than 2 years.
Is a guarantee the same as a legal guarantee?
No. A legal guarantee is the statutory liability for defects that every seller must fulfil regardless of intent. A guarantee is a voluntary promise by the manufacturer or seller that goes beyond the legal guarantee.
Can I customise the legal guarantee notice if I want to?
No, it must be used unmodified in the official EU layout.
From when does this requirement apply?
EU-wide, uniformly, from 27 September 2026.