The European Parliament has ensured better consumer rights to repair goods

The new rules ensure that manufacturers provide timely and efficient repair services and inform consumers of their repair rights. Items repaired during the warranty period will have an additional one-year extended legal warranty, which will further encourage consumers to repair instead of buying a new product.

After the warranty expires, the manufacturer will still be required to repair common household products that are technically repairable under EU law. Users will also be able to borrow another device while theirs is being repaired or choose a refurbished device as an alternative.

The rules aim to strengthen the EU market for repair services and reduce repair costs for consumers. Manufacturers will be required to provide replacement parts and tools at reasonable prices and will be prohibited from using contract terms and hardware or software technologies that prevent repair of goods. In particular, they will not be able to prevent independent repair service providers from using used or 3D-printed spare parts. In this way, it will not be possible to refuse to repair the product simply for economic reasons or because it was previously repaired by someone else.

In order to make repairs more affordable, each EU country will have to implement at least one measure to promote repair services, such as repair service vouchers and repair funds, organize awareness campaigns, organize repair service courses or support community-created repair spaces.

After the EU Council officially approves the directive after the EP vote, the EU states will have two years to prepare for its application.

The Right to Repair Directive is a significant step for the EU to extend product life, reduce waste and support a more sustainable economy.