Mobile phone repair – Photo by Kilian Seiler on Unsplash
(BRUSSELS) – EU negotiators reached a provisional deal Friday on a directive to reduce waste by promoting the repair of broken or defective goods, also known as the right-to-repair (or R2R) directive.
The agreement gives consumers new rights that make repairs more appealing and straightforward after the legal guarantee has expired. Key measures of the agreement include:
- an obligation for the manufacturer to repair common household products like washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and even smartphones, with the possibility to add more products to the list over time;
- a requirement for consumers to be informed about a manufacturers duty to repair;
- options for consumers to borrow a device whilst their own is being repaired or opt for a refurbished unit as an alternative;
- free online access to indicative repair prices;
- an additional one-year extension of the legal guarantee for repaired goods.
Manufacturers will have to make spare parts and tools available at a reasonable price. Manufacturers would be prohibited from using contractual clauses, hardware or software techniques to obstruct repairs. In particular, they must not impede use of second-hand or 3D issued spare parts by independent repairers.
To make the repair process easier, a European online platform with national sections is to be set up, through which consumers in every EU country will be able to find local repair shops, sellers of refurbished goods, buyers of defective items or community-led repair initiatives such as repair cafes.
Each member state will introduce at least one measure to promote repair, such as repair vouchers and funds, information campaigns, repair courses or support for community-led repair spaces, or in line with existing rules on taxation, a reduction of the VAT rate on repair services.
Once the directive is adopted by both Council and Parliament and published in the EU Official Journal, member states will have 24 months to transpose it into national law.
Procedure file, European Parliament
