Legal guarantee vs commercial.
One is a right granted by law, the other an extra promise from sellers and manufacturers. Here are the differences that matter, side by side.
It is every buyer’s right: it lasts two years and is enforced against the seller when the product is faulty, does not work, does not match the order or differs from how it was described in the advertising.
It is optional: the seller or manufacturer take on additional obligations at no extra cost to the consumer (e.g. “5 years or 200,000 km”). Once advertised, however, it becomes binding.
| Aspect | Legal guarantee | Commercial guarantee |
|---|---|---|
| Who provides it | The seller, always: it is a legal obligation. | The seller and/or the manufacturer, by their choice. |
| Is it mandatory? | Yes, provided for by the Italian Consumer Code. | No, it is optional — but if advertised it is binding. |
| Duration | 2 years from delivery of the goods. | Set by whoever offers it: it can exceed 2 years. |
| Cost | Free. | At no extra cost (paid extensions are a different matter). |
| What it covers | Lack of conformity: a faulty, non-working or non-conforming product. | Whatever is promised on top: e.g. home repair, courtesy car, extra duration. |
| Who to contact | The seller who sold you the goods. | Whoever offered it (seller or manufacturer). |
Remember: even when a commercial guarantee exists, the seller always remains bound by the two-year legal guarantee provided for by the Italian Consumer Code.
All warranty types, explained.
Legal, commercial, extensions and insurance: the full map to understand what covers what.
See the warranty guide