Major change in the mobile phone market. Manufacturers will be forced to repair them out of warranty as well, at low prices

The European Parliament passed the legislation with a majority of 584 votes in favour, three against and 14 abstentions. Through this initiative, the EP encourages consumers to extend the life cycle of products by repairing them instead of replacing them.

The new rules stipulate that manufacturers are obliged to repair, in a timely manner and at affordable costs, goods, including certain categories of large and small household appliances. These products repaired within the warranty period will benefit from a one-year warranty extension.

Manufacturers will also have an obligation to repair common household products, even after the warranty period has expired, if they are technically repairable under Union law. This category includes washing machines, vacuum cleaners and even mobile phones, although the list of product categories can be expanded over time.

Manufacturers will also be prohibited from using contractual clauses and techniques related to components or software 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 solely for economic reasons or because it has been previously repaired by someone else.

At the same time, consumers can borrow another device while their product is being repaired, or they can opt for a refurbished one as an alternative if the item cannot be repaired.

To facilitate the process, the EP will create an online platform, with sections for each European country, which will suggest repair shops, dealers of refurbished goods, buyers of defective goods or repair initiatives within communities.

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

According to the European Commission, the premature disposal of consumer goods produces 261 million tonnes of carbon dioxide 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 annually by replacing goods instead of repairing them. The new rules will bring about €4.8 billion to the EU in the form of economic growth and investment, according to the EC.