The EP forced technology manufacturers to extend warranties after repairs

The European Parliament recently adopted new rules aimed at extending consumer rights to device repairs in all EU member states.

What changed?

The main provisions of the new rules are the mandatory disclosure of information about consumer rights by manufacturers, the provision of extended legal guarantees and the promotion of cost-effective repair services.

From now on, manufacturers will have to provide spare parts and tools at reasonable prices and will no longer be able to prevent consumers from repairing their devices themselves.

In addition, manufacturers will no longer have the right to prohibit independent craftsmen from using used or 3D-printed spare parts.

It is also prohibited to refuse to carry out repairs based solely on economic considerations or previous repair work carried out by others, the European Parliament clarified.

A pan-European online platform will be created to further help consumers access repair services. The platform will be a resource for users to search for information on repair options, including local workshops and community initiatives.

It should be noted that the new rules could cause problems for companies like Apple, whose component authorization program has previously limited the functionality of third-party or used parts in their products. In the future, such companies will have to justify all cases where they prevent self-repair, which may lead to legal disputes.

Although the EU already has a minimum product warranty of two years, the new rules go beyond this requirement. Even after the warranty period has expired, companies will be forced to repair common household items, including smartphones, televisions, washing machines and vacuum cleaners.

In cases where the product fails within the warranty period, consumers will be able to choose between replacement and repair. By opting for repair, the warranty will be extended by another year, which will be an additional incentive for consumers to choose repair over replacement.