Topic
The support period
A five-year floor, with exceptions, and what runs during it.
The manufacturer sets the support period to reflect expected use time, with a floor of five years unless shorter use is expected F-015. During it, the vulnerability-handling duties run and security updates are free of charge F-045; the user information is retained for at least ten years or the support period, whichever is longer F-049.
Why it is a product decision
The period is public and comparable, which makes it a competitive claim as much as a compliance parameter F-015. Price the maintenance tail before promising the number.
Verified facts this page relies on
- F-015 Support period: determined by the manufacturer to reflect the expected use time; at least five years unless the product is expected to be in use for less; the end date (month and year) is stated at purchase. A security update, once issued, remains available for at least ten years or the remainder of the support period, whichever is longer. Art. 13(8), (9), (19)
- F-045 Manufacturers ensure secure distribution of updates and that security updates are provided free of charge, in a timely manner, with advisory messages. Annex I Part II(7)–(8)
- F-049 Manufacturers keep the user information and instructions (Annex II) at the disposal of users and authorities for at least ten years after placing on the market or for the support period, whichever is longer; a notification is displayed when the support period ends where technically feasible. Art. 13(18)–(19)
Facts are maintained and human-verified in the CEMarque Facts Table (v2026.09.4, verified 2026-09-10).
Editorial review: Claude (AI reviewer, delegated by the editor), 2026-10-08. Methodology and correction process: how this site works.