With the 2026 Consumer Rights Amendment Act (VerbRÄG 2026), Austria is implementing the EU Directive on Strengthening Consumer Rights. Starting September 27, 2026, online retailers must comply with new information requirements regarding warranties and manufacturer guarantees.
The New Warranty Label
In the future, businesses must inform consumers of their statutory warranty rights prior to the conclusion of a contract, in accordance with § 4(1)(12) FAGG, using a standardized EU-wide label. The label must be clearly visible and may not be altered. In online stores, it is recommended to display it on the website, in the shopping cart, or at checkout. In accordance with Section 7(3) of the FAGG, the information must also be provided in the order confirmation on a durable medium.
When is the GARAN label required?
In addition, pursuant to Section 4(1)(12a) of the FAGG, there may be an obligation to display the new GARAN label. However, this does not apply to every warranty. The label is only required if the manufacturer provides a free durability warranty for the entire product lasting more than two years and makes the relevant information available.
Action Required for Retailers
The new requirements apply not only to legal texts but also to the technical design of websites—such as product pages, shopping carts, and checkout pages—as well as order confirmations. Violations may result in claims under competition law, cease-and-desist letters, and lawsuits filed by consumer protection organizations.