All shops and online marketplaces will have to display a poster setting out consumer rights under a European law that comes into force next year.
The law is designed to ensure “better protection against unfair practices” and to give consumers better information about their rights, according to the European Union.
The labelling has been standardised and should start appearing on products and on shop walls, the European Commission says.
“They will empower consumers to make informed choices in favour of more durable products, stimulate demand for circular solutions, and ultimately play a key role in advancing the circular economy”, he European Commission says.
The notice and label are implementing measures of the Directive on “empowering consumers for the green transition”.
“The mandatory notice is designed to explain consumers’ legal guarantee rights and to provide practical guidance for addressing non-conforming products. It must be clearly displayed in all EU retail outlets, both online and offline”, the European Commission says.
European consumers are entitled to a minimum two-year legal guarantee on products, in line with EU consumer protection law, but many people don’t know that.
The EU hopes that consumers will feel empowered to demand that products live up to their promises. And to discourage people from just throwing products away when they stop working.
“This guarantee requires sellers to provide, free of charge, a repair or replacement if, for example, a product does not perform as expected. In certain circumstances, consumers may also be entitled to a price reduction or a full refund”, the European Commission says.
Member States must transpose the Directive into national law by 27 March 2026. Once the Directive applies, from 27 September 2026, consumers throughout the EU will begin to see the notice and label in practice.