European Parliament: Directive on “consumers’ right to repair” adopted

On Tuesday, the European Parliament approved the directive on the so-called “consumers’ right to repair”, with 584 votes in favor, 3 against and 14 abstentions. The new rules clarify the obligations manufacturers will now have to repair their products and will encourage consumers to extend the life of their goods.

Obligation to repair

According to the announcement, the new rules oblige manufacturers to offer fast and cost-effective repair services and to inform consumers of their right. Whenever a good is repaired within its warranty period, this warranty will be extended for an additional year, which encourages consumers to choose repair over replacement.

After the statutory warranty expires, the manufacturer will still be required to repair some common household appliances that are already technically repairable under European law, such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners and even smart phones. Other product categories may be added to this list in the future. Consumers will also have the right to request a loaner device while theirs is being repaired or, if it can’t be repaired, they can alternatively choose to get a refurbished product.

Information about repair conditions and services

Consumers will be able to find out in a special form the price and the required time for each repair service depending on the damage found, so that they can evaluate and compare the services in question. To make repair procedures easier, a European online platform will be created through which consumers will be able to find shops for repair services, selling refurbished products, buying defective products and local initiatives such as community repair workshops or “repair cafés”.

Revitalization of the repair market

The aim of the new rules is to strengthen the repair market in the EU and reduce costs for consumers. Manufacturers will be required to offer parts and tools at reasonable prices and will be prohibited from using contract clauses, hardware and software that prevent repairs. In particular, they will not be able to prevent the use of used or 3D printed parts by independent repairers, nor will they be able to refuse to repair a product solely for financial reasons or because the product has been previously repaired by someone else.

More affordable repairs

To make repairs more affordable, each Member State should implement at least one measure to promote them. Such measures are for example the provision of vouchers and subsidies for repairs, conducting information campaigns, providing repair courses and supporting local initiatives for the repair of goods.

René Repasi (Socialists, Germany): The right of consumers to repair products will now become a reality

In a statement, rapporteur René Repasi (Socialists, Germany) said: “The right of consumers to repair products will now become a reality. It will be easier and cheaper to repair our items instead of buying new and expensive products. This is an important achievement for Parliament and its commitment to empowering consumers in the fight against climate change.The new legislation extends the warranty period by 12 months when something is repaired, provides better access to spare parts and ensures easier, cheaper and faster product repairs. “.

Next steps

Once the directive has been formally approved by the Council and published in the EU’s Official Journal, member states will have 24 months to transpose it into national law.

Relevant information

According to the European Commission, every year 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. Consumers also lose around €12 billion annually replacing products rather than repairing them. In addition, the new rules are expected to generate €4.8 billion in growth and investment within the EU.

The directive complements other new EU rules on eco-design and consumer support for the green transition.

Conference on the Future of Europe

The legislation responds directly to citizens’ demands, as expressed at the Conference on the Future of Europe. More specifically, the rules reflect proposals 5(6), 5(7), 5(10) and 11(2) on sustainable consumption and sustainable development and innovation: launching a “repair platform”, establishing measures to promoting the right to repair and access to spare parts, EU action to incentivize consumers to use products for longer and tackling planned obsolescence.