EU Parliament votes for “Right to Repair”.

The EU Parliament has decided on its position on the planned right to repair. Warranty periods for devices are extended, repairs are cheaper and spare parts are more readily available.

Consumers lose an estimated twelve billion euros every year because they choose new products instead of having their old ones repaired. And the resulting waste is also a huge problem.

“According to calculations by the EU Commission, around 35 million tons of waste are generated every year. This is simply because products are thrown away far too early instead of being repaired,” says MEP René Repasi from the SPD. “This shows what potential a right to repair has.”

According to the will of the EU Parliament, this potential should be exploited with many incentives. Sellers or manufacturers are obliged to offer a free repair within the statutory guarantee period, unless this is more expensive than an exchange, is actually impossible or is inconvenient for consumers. If a product cannot be repaired, manufacturers can also offer a refurbished device. If repairs take a long time, a replacement device should be made available.

Extended warranty planned after repairs

“We also want to guarantee access to spare parts or instructions and diagnostic tools for everyone, including smaller workshops. We will also extend the warranty period by one year if a product has been repaired,” says the Green politician and chairwoman of the EU Internal Market Committee. Parliament, Anna Cavazzini. “This is a great incentive for consumers to repair their product.”

The regulation applies to heavy household appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers, but also to smartphones, tablets and bicycles. Anyone who wants to have their bike repaired after the warranty has expired is also entitled to this.

“But of course the repair is not free,” said CDU MEP Andreas Schwab. “Manufacturers and dealers must ensure that their products are designed to be repair-friendly. This applies to software and hardware. It must be possible to install spare parts as long as this does not involve excessive costs.”

Repair takes place before purchasing a new one

Consumers who want to have their broken vacuum cleaner repaired in the future can do so directly with the manufacturer during the warranty period, who is obliged to repair it during this time. Alternatively, at an independent workshop.

The spare parts and repair instructions must also be available and affordable to independent workshops for the expected life of the product. Parliament wants to ban practices that actually stand in the way of repairs, such as the serialization of spare parts.

In the future, manufacturers will no longer be allowed to refuse repairs if the product has already been repaired outside the authorized dealer network. Member States are left free to decide whether to encourage repairs through financial incentives such as vouchers and national repair funds.

Be careful when buying from online marketplaces

Cavazzini makes it clear: “We also came across the question of online marketplaces in the right to repair. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a majority in parliament and make them more responsible if they cannot name someone economically responsible who is responsible for the repair. This leaves a loophole for consumers who order online from third countries.”

After the vote, parliament and the states still have to agree on the final version of the law. The directive could therefore be passed before the European elections in June next year.