The European Parliament has adopted its “right to repair” directive after a majority vote with the new rules requiring manufacturers to provide “timely and cost-effective” repair services and inform consumers about their rights to repair.
Goods repaired under warranty will reportedly benefit from an additional one-year extension of the legal guarantee, further incentivising consumers to choose repair instead of replacement.
The European Parliament explained that after the legal guarantee has expired, the manufacturer is still required to repair common electrical household products that are technically repairable under EU law, such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and even smartphones. This list of product categories will be extended over time.
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By GlobalDataConsumers may also borrow a product whilst theirs is being repaired or, if it cannot be fixed, opt for a refurbished version as an alternative.
Rapporteur René Repasi from the European Parliament said this is a significant achievement for Parliament and its commitment to empower consumers in the fight against climate change.
Repasi said: “Consumers’ right to repair products will now become a reality. It will be easier and cheaper to repair instead of purchase new, expensive items. The new legislation extends legal guarantees by 12 months when opting for repair, gives better access to spare parts and ensures easier, cheaper and faster repair.”
Revitalising repair market, promoting affordable repair
The European Parliament emphasised these rules are aimed at strengthening the EU repair market and reducing repair costs for consumers.
It added that manufacturers will have to provide spare parts and tools at a reasonable price and will be prohibited from using “contractual clauses, hardware or software techniques” that obstruct repairs.
The European Parliament specified that manufacturers cannot obstruct independent repairers from using second-hand or 3D-printed spare parts, nor can they decline to repair a product based solely on economic considerations or because it was previously repaired by another party.
It suggested offering a European information form that can aid consumers in evaluating and comparing repair services by detailing the nature of the defect, repair costs, and duration.
Additionally, to make the repair process easier, a European online platform with national sections is expected to be set up to help consumers find local repair shops, sellers of refurbished goods, buyers of defective items or community-led repair initiatives, such as repair cafes.
The European Parliament stated that to enhance affordability of repairs, each member state must implement at least one measure to promote repair. These measures may include the provision of repair vouchers and funds, conducting information campaigns, offering repair courses or support for community-led repair spaces.
Upon formal approval by the Council and publication in the EU Official Journal, member states will have a period of two years to incorporate the directive into their national legislation.
These efforts by the European Union follow its long-term plan to halve waste by 2030 by prioritising textile reuse and recycling.
