The European Union has adopted a Right to Repair Directive that will make it easier for consumers to get their devices repaired. The new rules extend a product’s warranty if it falls under warranty, while also requiring manufacturers to repair devices that are no longer covered. The law still needs to be approved by member states.
Devices sold in Europe already come with a minimum two-year warranty, but the new rules impose additional requirements. If a device is repaired under warranty, the customer must be given the choice between replacement or repair. If you choose the latter, the guarantee is extended by one year.
After the deadline, companies will still be obliged to repair “common household products” that are repairable under EU law, such as smartphones, televisions and certain appliances (the list of devices may expand over time). The consumer can also borrow a device during the repair or, if the repair is not possible, alternatively opt for a refurbished device.
The EU demands that repairs must be offered at a “reasonable” price so that “consumers are not deliberately deterred”. Manufacturers must provide replacement parts and tools and not attempt to avoid repairs through the use of “contractual clauses, hardware or software techniques.” While the latter isn’t mentioned, it could make it harder for companies to decommission devices by stopping future updates.
In addition, manufacturers cannot prevent the use of used, original, compatible or 3D printed spare parts by independent repairers as long as they comply with EU laws. You must provide a website that lists prices for repairs. You may not refuse to repair a device previously repaired by someone else and may not refuse repair for economic reasons.
The European group Right to Repair praised the expanded rules but said opportunities would be missed. It would have been nice to see more product categories included, that repair takes priority over replacement, that independent repair shops have the right to access all spare parts/repair information, and much more. “Our coalition will continue to advocate for ambitious reparability requirements … and work with members focused on implementing the policy in every member state.”
Right-to-repair rules not only help consumers save money, but also help reduce e-waste, carbon pollution, and more. The area is currently a battleground in the USA, with laws being debated in around half of the states. California’s Right to Repair law, which goes into effect July 1, requires manufacturers to stock replacement parts, tools and repair manuals for seven years for smartphones and other devices that cost over $100.