“Right to repair” DECISION: Manufacturers obliged to repair the good at a reasonable price after the warranty period

The European Parliament adopted the directive on the so-called “right to reparation”.

This encourages consumers to extend the life cycle of products by repairing them, SpotMedia reports.

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The manufacturer will have an 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 that sell refurbished products.

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

What benefits does the ‘right to repair’ bring us and why it is important to apply it in the EU

Duty to repair

The new rules require manufacturers to provide timely and affordable repair services and to inform consumers of their right to repair.

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Goods repaired during the warranty period will benefit from a one-year extension of the legal warranty. Thus, consumers will be further encouraged to choose to repair the product instead of replacing it, according to a statement from the European Parliament.

After the warranty period expires, manufacturers will still have an obligation to repair common household products that are technically repairable under Union law.

This includes washing machines, vacuum cleaners and even mobile phones.

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The list of product categories may be expanded over time.

Consumers can also borrow a device while theirs is being repaired or opt for a refurbished one as an alternative if the product is beyond repair.

Conditions and repair services

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Consumers can receive a European repair information form to help them evaluate and compare repair services. The form will include details of 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 repair initiatives within communities, 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 an obligation to provide spare parts and utensils at a reasonable price. They will also be prohibited from using contractual clauses and techniques related to components or software that prevent repair.

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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.
Promoting affordable repairs

To make repairs more affordable, 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 remedial courses or support initiatives in the field at the community level.

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According to the European Commission, the 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, the new rules are expected to bring €4.8 billion in economic growth and investment to the EU.