The European Parliament has approved rules that oblige companies to repair used products, after the warranty period, at reasonable prices / The proposal will allow consumers to repair products more easily and cheaply, instead of buying new ones

The European Parliament adopted on Tuesday the directive on the so-called “right to repair”, which gives consumers the right to have their used products, such as washing machines or smartphones, repaired by the manufacturers, at a reasonable price and within a deadline reasonable after the legal guarantee period, reports Agerpres.

The proposal will allow consumers to repair products more easily and cheaply, instead of buying new ones.

In addition, greater demand for this will give a boost to the repair sector, while stimulating manufacturers and sellers to develop more sustainable business models. The proposal will also ensure that more products are repaired before the statutory warranty expires and that, at the same time, consumers have simpler and cheaper options for repairing technically repairable products (such as vacuum cleaners or soon tablets and smartphones) when the legal warranty has expired or when the good no longer works due to wear and tear.

With 584 votes in favor, three against and 14 abstentions, the rules adopted by the European Parliament on Tuesday clarify the obligations of manufacturers to repair goods and encourage consumers to extend the life cycle of products by repairing them.

The new rules introduce a new “right to repair” for consumers, both before and after the expiration of the legal warranty. Before the expiration of the legal warranty, sellers will be obliged to offer repairs, unless they are more expensive than replacing the product. After the legal warranty expires, consumers will have a new set of rights and tools to make repair an easy and affordable option. Thus, consumers will be further encouraged to choose to repair the product instead of replacing it.

Among the new rights that consumers will benefit from is that of requesting producers, under EU legislation, repairing products that can be repaired from a technical point of view, such as a washing machine or a television.

This category includes washing machines, vacuum cleaners and even mobile phones. The list of product categories may be expanded over time. Also, consumers can borrow a device while their device is being repaired or opt for a refurbished one as an alternative if the product cannot be repaired.

Thus, consumers will always have someone to turn to when they choose to repair their products, and manufacturers will be encouraged to develop more sustainable business models. Furthermore, producers will have the obligation to inform consumers about the products they are obliged to repair themselves. An online repairer sourcing platform will be set up to connect consumers with repairers and sellers of refurbished goods in their area.

The new rules aim to strengthen the repair market in the Union and reduce the cost of repairs borne by consumers. Manufacturers will have the obligation to offer spare parts and utensils at a reasonable price. They will also be prohibited from using contractual clauses and techniques related to components or computer programs that prevent repair. More specifically, manufacturers will not be able to prevent independent repairers from using second-hand or 3D-printed components, nor will they be able to refuse to repair a product just for economic reasons or because it was previously repaired by someone else.

To make repairs more accessible, each country of the Union will have to apply at least one of the following measures: offer vouchers and funds for repairs, carry out information campaigns, offer repair courses or support initiatives in the field at the level communities.

“The right of consumers to repair products will now become a reality. Repairing will be easier and cheaper instead of buying new, expensive products. This is a significant achievement for Parliament and its commitment to support consumers in the fight against climate change. The new legislation extends legal guarantees by 12 months when opting for repairs, provides better access to spare parts and ensures easier, cheaper and faster repairs”, said rapporteur Rene Repasi, Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats from the European Parliament.

After the directive will be officially approved by the Council and published in the Official Journal of the EU, the member states will have 24 months to transpose it into national legislation.