The European Parliament adopted, on Tuesday, the directive on the so-called “right to repair”.
This encourages consumers to extend the life cycle of products by repairing them.
The manufacturer will have the obligation to repair the product at a reasonable price, within a reasonable time after the statutory warranty period, and consumers will have access to spare parts, tools and information on how to repair the products.
Consumers will also be encouraged to opt for repair, through incentives such as vouchers and repair funds, and online platforms will help them find local repair shops and stores selling refurbished products.
After the directive will be officially approved by the Council of the European Union and published in the Official Journal of the EU, the member states will have 24 months to transpose it into national legislation.
The directive passed today in the EP with 584 votes “for”, three “against” and 14 abstentions.
The obligation to repair
The new rules stipulate that manufacturers have the obligation to provide repair services in a timely manner and at affordable costs and to inform consumers about their right to repair.
Goods repaired during the warranty period will benefit from a one-year extension of the legal warranty. Thus, consumers will be encouraged even more to choose to repair the product instead of replacing it, according to a press release from the European Parliament.
After the warranty period expires, manufacturers will still have the obligation to repair common household products, which can be repaired from a technical point of view according to Union legislation.
This is where it comes in washing machines, vacuum cleaners and even mobile phones.
The list of product categories may be expanded over time.
At the same time, consumers can borrow a device while theirs is being repaired or opt for a refurbished one as an alternative if the product cannot be repaired.
Repair conditions and services
Consumers can receive a European repair information form, which will help them evaluate and compare repair services. The form will include details about the price and duration of the repair, depending on the defect found.
To facilitate the repair process, a European online platform will be created, with sections for each country.
By accessing it, consumers will easily find local repair shops, sellers of refurbished goods, buyers of defective goods or community repair initiatives, such as so-called “repair cafes”.
Revitalization of the repair market
The new rules aim to strengthen the repair market 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.
Promoting repairs at affordable prices
To make repairs more accessible, each country of the Union will have to apply at least one of the following measures:
- to provide vouchers and funds for repairs,
- to carry out information campaigns,
- to offer repair courses or to support initiatives in the field at the community level.
The fight against pollution
According to the European Commission, premature disposal of consumer goods produces 261 million tonnes of CO² equivalent emissions, consumes 30 million tonnes of resources and generates 35 million tonnes of waste in the EU every year.
Consumers also lose around €12 billion a year by replacing goods instead of repairing them.
In addition, it is expected that the new rules will bring 4.8 billion euros to the EU in the form of economic growth and investments.
Tags: European Parliament adopted repair manufacturers obliged repair good reasonable price warranty period
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