By Petr Kramerius, Regional Manager at Infosource
After years of intense campaigning by right-to-repair advocates and complicated political discussions, European Union (EU) lawmakers have finally agreed upon new repair rules. The EU Council adopted the Right to Repair Directive on 31 May. The directive promotes the repair of broken or defective goods and makes it easier for consumers to seek repairs instead of replacement. The Directive also aims to make repair services more accessible, transparent, and attractive.
The Directive sets out new rights for consumers: the right to have defective products repaired in an easier, cheaper, and faster way. It also incentivizes manufacturers to make products that last longer and can be repaired, reused, and recycled. Finally, it makes repairing a more attractive economic activity that creates quality, Europe-based jobs. The Council believes the directive should be a positive change for all economic subjects involved and for the environment.
The Directive creates a set of tools and incentives to make repairs more attractive for consumers, including:
- Requiring manufacturers to repair products which are technically repairable under EU law
- The availability of a voluntary repair form with clear information about the repair process (deadlines, prices, etc.)
- A European online platform where consumers can easily find repair services
To improve the attractivity of repair versus replacement, the legal guarantee will be extended by 12 months if consumers opt for repair. This will result in three-year legal guarantee coverage in most EU countries, with no extension if consumers opt for replacement. Sellers must inform consumers about the choice between repair and replacement and the extension of the guarantee in case of repair. Refurbished goods may be provided as replacements upon request from the consumer.
From the perspective of a small remanufacturer, printer repairs have been a challenge because of the unavailability of specific components. However, with the new directive, access to spare parts is set to improve, opening up opportunities to expand services, including printer repairs and refurbishment.
The act has been adopted following the Council’s approval. After some formalities the Directive will be published in the Official Journal of the EU and come into force 20 days later. EU countries will have two years to incorporate this directive into national legislation.
