EU adopts the new ‘right to repair’ law

The European Union has adopted a new law granting consumers the right to repair common household appliances, including smartphones, even after the warranty period ends. Proposed by the European Commission in 2023, the law aims to promote repair over disposal. The agreement, still pending approval from the European Parliament and EU countries, is expected to simplify and reduce the cost of repairing products. Lead negotiator René Repasi highlighted the positive impact on consumers and the environment, emphasizing the fight against climate change.

The legislation obliges manufacturers to repair products like washing machines and vacuum cleaners, with smartphones added to counter practices by dominant manufacturers like Apple. The law extends legal warranties for repaired goods by an additional year. It includes provisions for informing consumers about repair rights, providing substitutes during repairs, and facilitating online access to indicative repair prices.

The European Consumer Advocacy Watchdog, BEUC, lauded the law for strengthening consumer rights and making repair more attractive and accessible. The directive requires EU countries to introduce measures incentivizing repair services within 24 months of adoption.

Why does it matter?

Adopting the new EU law granting consumers the right to repair common household appliances holds significant implications for environmental sustainability, consumer rights, and the technology industry. It connects with the other steps taken in 2023, such as developing a new methodology to measure e-waste and Apple conforming to the EU law mandating a common charging connection.