The European directive that will help us repair our appliances instead of throwing them away. What does it entail?
The European Union is changing market rules because it wants us to repair our goods, such as vacuum cleaners, phones and washing machines, instead of throwing them away and buying new ones.
Manufacturers will be required to provide consumers with spare parts, tools and information. All member states are obligated to comply within the next two years.
Related
- Stop fast fashion. The European Union is taking measures aimed at reducing clothing purchases and promoting the repair of the ones we have
- New EU directive. Will plastic bags and wrappings finally disappear?
- Five foods that will help you look younger. What do experts say
- New trends in the restaurant industry. The first venues where nothing is thrown away have emerged. What happens with the leftovers
- Photovoltaics is the cheapest source of electricity. Will the government hinder its development?
Just last year, over 35 million tons of electronic and electrical waste were discarded across Europe. That's nearly nine times the weight of the Parliament Palace. Romania is no exception. Repairs are expensive, and skilled professionals are becoming scarce.
Eusediu Margasoiu, CEO of a service platform, says: "The costs of repairs are too high to afford. Currently, there is also a need for education in this regard, for vocational schools to create this status. Many of those who provide such services have migrated to Western Europe".
Other countries have been offering vouchers for a few years to those who decide to repair their appliances. For example, France offers from 10 euros for a kettle to up to 45 euros for a computer. New measures will also be taken at the European level.
According to the European Commission, people lose approximately 12 billion euros annually by replacing goods instead of repairing them.
Vlad Botos, Member of the European Parliament: "We will be able to change the phone battery again, which is quite difficult now, or a broken screen, we will be able to repair the radio or television and we will be able to do this in specialized workshops, but also at home".
Manufacturers will be obliged to offer fast and reasonably priced repair services, ensure access to spare parts, and provide consumers with all necessary information.
Additionally, they will benefit from extending the legal warranty by one year for products repaired during the initial warranty period.
After its expiration, manufacturers are required to continue repairs for household appliances, such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners and mobile phones.
Furthermore, in case a device is under repair, consumers can borrow a device or opt for a refurbished one if repair is not possible.
Consumers will be encouraged to opt for repairs through incentives established by each individual state.
Countries can choose between vouchers, repair funds, offering repair courses or supporting community-level initiatives.
After the directive is officially approved by the Council and published in the Official Journal of the EU, member states will have 24 months to transpose it into national legislation.
