EU Sets New ‘Right to Repair’ Rules for Electronics

The European Parliament has approved new regulations to promote the repair of consumer electronics, such as mobile phones, rather than their replacement. This initiative, commonly referred to as the “right to repair,” was passed in a vote on April 23. With the European Council’s endorsement pending, the directive is expected to be enacted upon publication in official documents, after which EU member states will have two years to incorporate it into national law.

These rules are part of a broader effort to reduce electronic waste across the EU. They follow years of development and a legislative proposal first issued in March 2023. According to a European Parliament statement, the directive is designed to “clarify obligations” for manufacturers concerning repairs and to introduce initiatives that encourage consumers to prolong the lifespan of their electronics.

Manufacturers will be required to provide prompt and economical repair services and inform consumers of these options. Repaired items will benefit from an extended warranty of one year. Moreover, smartphones are among the products manufacturers must continue offering repair services for, even after the original warranty has expired.

The forthcoming regulations stipulate that manufacturers must supply tools and spare parts at a “reasonable price” and prohibit any contractual terms, hardware features, or “software techniques” that hinder repairs. The directive specifically prohibits original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) from blocking the use of second-hand or 3D-printed spare parts by independent repair services or refusing repairs based solely on economic grounds or previous repairs by third parties.

In addition to manufacturer obligations, each EU country must implement at least one initiative to foster the repair of electronic goods. Possible measures include issuing vouchers, launching informational campaigns, conducting educational courses, or supporting community-based repair projects.

Furthermore, the plan includes establishing an EU-wide online platform to inform consumers about where to find repair services.

If you would like more information, please refer to Chris Donkin’s full article on Mobile World Live here.