Right to repair: EU directive may come into force
A new directive in the EU aims to make product repairs more accessible, transparent and attractive.
In 2019, a repair activist held up this cardboard sign in front of the Brandburger Tor.
(Image: Right to Repair Europe)
The European Council has adopted the Right to Repair Directive ("R2R"). It is intended to make it easier for consumers to have goods repaired instead of replaced. Repair services are to become more accessible, transparent and attractive. The adoption of the directive marks the final step in the European legislative process. It comes into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and must be transposed into national law in the member states within two years.
According to the directive (PDF), sellers must offer repairs if products such as smartphones, tablets, servers, monitors, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and welding equipment fail during the statutory two-year warranty period. After the repair, the period is extended by one year. If consumers opt for a replacement, they will again receive a statutory warranty period of two years.
Manufacturers must provide public information about their repair services, in particular how much the most common repairs will cost approximately. Original parts for technically repairable devices must be made available at a reasonable price. Manufacturers may not make repairs more difficult contractually, technically or through software settings. Each member state must introduce at least one form of support for repairs, such as vouchers, courses, information campaigns or a reduction in the VAT rate on repair services.
Federal government is working on a law
According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection (Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, nukleare Sicherheit und Verbraucherschutz, BMUV), it is working on a law that will oblige manufacturers to provide free and transparent repair information for consumers and competent repairers. In addition, manufacturers must keep spare parts for products in stock for at least ten years and make them available within 14 days at a reasonable price. This should make repairs more financially viable than buying a new product. The law is expected to be passed in the course of this year. Self-help workshops are to receive long-term funding.
The Right to Repair Europe alliance welcomes new rules for reasonable prices for original parts and the ban on practices that prevent repairs and the use of compatible and reused spare parts. However, the EU has missed the opportunity to create a "truly fair repair market". The directive covers too few products and leaves loopholes open, according to an analysis.
The EU Commission presented the directive in March 2023; it is part of the "New Consumer Agenda and the Circular Economy Action Plan". It complements other EU regulations to promote sustainable consumption, such as the Ecodesign Regulation, which the EU Council adopted a few days ago. It is intended to ensure that only products that have been manufactured in a resource-saving, durable and energy-efficient manner are placed on the EU internal market.
(anw)