Be ready for more than just summer.

Did you know new business rules for consumer goods take effect in June—from warranty changes to special labeling requirements?

Why were the changes made?

As early as 2026— on June 19, July 31, and September 27, new requirements will take effect, aimed at strengthening consumer rights and economic sustainability. The changes were initiated in response to one of the most pressing global challenges—climate change, aiming to ensure the responsible and transparent dissemination of information in the market.

The European Union has adopted a special directive aimed at protecting consumers from so-called “greenwashing.” Another directive has been adopted, establishing strict rules regarding product repairs, replacements, and consumer information. These changes were adopted in response to the observation that, due to the lack of easily accessible information on product repair, consumers were more likely to opt for product replacement rather than fix it, which led to an increase in harmful waste.

The dates to remember

June 19 – New Opt-Out Feature

Sellers engaged in remote selling will be required to implement a feature on their online platform that allows consumers to easily cancel a contract. The feature must enable the consumer to create a cancellation notice that includes their first name, last name, and contact information. It is important that the button be labeled with clear, unambiguous text, such as: “Confirm Contract Cancellation.”

The goal: These changes aim to equalize consumer rights across Europe to maintain market integrity, making it easier and more understandable for consumers to exit a contract just as easily as they entered it.

July 31 – Information on Warranty Repairs and an Extended Warranty

The amendments aim to improve product repairability and ensure consumers’ right to know about repair options. Manufacturers will be required to ensure that products not only meet safety and reliability requirements but are also repairable. The directive already includes a preliminary list of goods subject to the repair requirement, which will be expanded over time. It is also crucial to ensure that independent repairers have unrestricted access to the necessary spare parts.

As well it’s important that before entering into a distance contract, sellers must inform consumers about any additional or extended warranties provided by the manufacturer or required by law. If a product fails due to a manufacturing defect and is subsequently repaired, the warranty is extended for another year.

Furthermore, businesses must be aware and inform consumers that under certain categories of goods, a consumer who chooses to have a defective product repaired is entitled to receive a replacement product free of charge during the repair period.

The goal: To inform consumers so they can make wiser, more economical decisions, while increasing their legal safety through a better understanding of their rights and options.

September 27 – A Fair Algorithm and New Labeling

Transparency regarding product longevity:

• Sellers will be required to inform consumers if the manufacturer provides a warranty for longer than two years and a special EU harmonized symbol must be displayed on the website.
• When selling smart devices, the period during which free software updates are available must be specified.
• It is also mandatory to provide information about repair options, parts, and prices, and if a rating system has been created for the product, it must be accessible to the consumer.

Another important change, in addition to those already discussed, is fair digital trade. Sellers will be required to inform consumers if they use algorithms on their websites that are designed to personalize prices. This information must be provided to the consumer before the purchase is made. They will also be required to provide a clear link to the order cancellation policy and its terms and conditions.

Two new labels will be introduced in September:

• EU harmonized notice
• EU harmonized label

Their main purpose is to provide consumers with detailed information and to highlight the differences between guarantees of legal compliance and guarantees of commercial durability.

The goal: These regulations enable consumers to make optimal purchasing decisions by informing the true lifespan of products, protecting against hidden algorithmic pricing, and clarifying the differences between legal and commercial warranties.

How do these two labels differ?

Sellers will be required to use the harmonized notice at all points of sale – it reminds consumers of their basic rights: the duration of warranties, means of rights protection, and actions that can be taken if a product does not meet requirements.

Meanwhile, the harmonized label is mandatory only if the manufacturer has decided, at no additional cost, to provide a commercial durability warranty of more than two years for the entire product.

What rules apply to these labels?

Both symbols are subject to strict design rules their appearance cannot be altered, and QR codes must be easily scanned with a standard mobile device.

You may also have questions, for example:

• What to do if the product is smaller?
• In what format should I present the label to consumers?
• Can I present the label in black and white, or is it mandatory to present it only in color?
• Are there any differences in these regulations depending on whether I’m engaged in-store or online retail?

Although unsure where to find more answers or how to apply everything in practice? Feel free to contact us → vakare.sidaraviciute@lynx.legal. We will be happy to help you find all the answers and work through any issues.