The European Parliament seeks to encourage repairing products rather than purchasing new ones. List of products eligible for repair
The European Parliament aims for us to repair our products instead of buying new ones. Whether it's refrigerators, phones or bicycles, manufacturers must provide repair services and spare parts.
If the legal warranty expires, the producer is obliged to disclose the potential cost of fixing any malfunctions. Consumers who opt for replacement lose around a total of approximately 12 billion euros per year.
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Currently, the new rules will apply to household appliances, mobile phones and bicycles. However, there is a possibility that the list may expand.
Out of the 620 present Members of the European Parliament at the Strasbourg plenary session, 590 voted in favor of consumer repair rights. There are various measures making the repair process of a product simpler and more accessible. For instance, consumers might receive a replacement product during the repair period. Similar to the practice in some car service centers. If a product cannot be repaired, a reconditioned product could be offered in exchange.
If the product is still under warranty, repairs take priority when they are cheaper or equal to the replacement cost. After the issues are fixed, the warranty is extended by an additional year.
Vlad Botos, Member of the European Parliament: "The obligation for an intact seal is no longer valid, implying that if you've attempted to repair a product and find it unfixable when returned to the seller or manufacturer, the necessity for an unbroken seal no longer applies".
Manufacturers will need to make products much easier to disassemble so that defective parts can be replaced. Currently, the cost of repair is often higher or equal to the replacement of the product.
Cristian Pocol, President of the RESPO DEEE Association: "The best example are modern mobile phones that have the battery built into them and can only be replaced at a specialized center. If manufacturers adhere to the conditions imposed by legislation to build it in such a way from the design phase so that it can be used and repaired, then certain parts of it can be replaced. The habit of repairing electrical and electronic objects has largely disappeared in Romania; the repair industry has largely vanished".
Manufacturers will be obliged to produce more spare parts. Independent repairers, as well as consumers, will be able to purchase them at a reasonable price. They will also receive the necessary information. Online platforms will be available for repair professionals to showcase their services, with transparently displayed costs. After products are out of warranty, each country can incentivize repairs through vouchers or subsidies.
For example, France offers vouchers ranging from 10 to 45 euros for repairs of footwear and household appliances.
List of products that can be repaired
- Washing machines and dryers
- Dishwashers
- Refrigeration devices
- Electronic displays
- Welding equipment
- Vacuum cleaners
- Servers and data storage equipment
- Cordless mobile phones and tablets
- Bicycles
Source: The European Parliament
