The European Parliament adopted on Tuesday the directive on the “right to repair” for consumers, which comes with clarifications regarding the obligations of the manufacturing companies.
The directive was adopted by the European Parliament with 584 votes in favor, three against and 14 abstentions.
The new rules for manufacturers
Under the new rules, manufacturers will be required to provide timely and affordable repair services and inform consumers of their right to repair. Goods repaired within the warranty period will benefit from a one-year extension of the legal warranty, according to the directive.
After the warranty period expires, the manufacturing companies will still have the obligation to repair common household products, which are technically repairable under EU law.
This category includes washing machines, vacuum cleaners and even mobile phones, and the list of product categories may be extended.
In addition, consumers will be able to 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.
A European online platform will also be created, with sections for each country, where local repair shops, sellers of refurbished goods, buyers of defective goods or community-based repair initiatives such as “repair cafes” can be found .
Purpose of the “Right to Redress” Directive
The new rules aim to strengthen the EU repair market and reduce the cost of repairs borne by consumers, according to the European Parliament.
Manufacturers will be required to provide spare parts and utensils at a reasonable price, according to the directive.
They will also be prohibited from using contractual clauses and techniques related to components or software that prevent repair.
Specifically, they 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, to make repairs more accessible, each EU member country 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.
Next, after the directive will be approved by the EU Council and published in the Official Journal of the EU, the member states, including Romania, will have 24 months to transpose it into national legislation.
Tags: redress European Parliament voted directive
-
