Out-of-warranty products will be able to be repaired at reasonable prices. European directive with obligations for producers

Out-of-warranty products will be able to be repaired at reasonable prices. The right to redress for consumers was adopted by the European Parliament. The legislation provides obligations for producers, in relation to customers.

The European Parliament adopted on Tuesday, April 23, the directive on the so-called “right to redress” for consumers. The rules clarify the obligations of manufacturers to repair goods. They encourage consumers to extend the life cycle of products by repairing them.

They aim to reduce waste and support the repair sector by making it easier and cheaper to repair goods.

The right to repair. Obligations for producers

Manufacturers will have an obligation to provide repair services in a timely manner and at affordable costs. They will have to inform consumers about their right to redress.

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.

After the warranty period expires, manufacturers will still have an obligation to repair common household products. It is about products that can be repaired from a technical point of view according to Union legislation.

Washing machines, vacuum cleaners and even mobile phones fall into this category. The list of product categories may be expanded over time.

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

Information about repair conditions and services

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. Consumers will thus find local repair shops, sellers of refurbished goods, buyers of defective goods or repair initiatives within communities. For example, “repair cafes”.

The right to repair. Consumers will receive spare parts

The new rules aim to strengthen the repair market in the Union 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.

Manufacturers will not be able to prevent independent repairers from using second-hand or 3D-printed components. They will not be able to refuse to repair a product just for economic reasons or because it was previously repaired by someone else.

The right to repair. Vouchers and financing

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
• to support initiatives in the field at the community level.

“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,” says rapporteur René Repasi.

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

Measures to limit pollution

According to the European Commission, premature disposal of consumer goods produces 261 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions. It also 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. The new rules are expected to bring €4.8 billion in economic growth and investment to the EU.