Confirmed: European regulations will oblige brands to repair your electrical appliances free of charge in these cases. Times have changed and regulations are also evolving. The need to address challenges related to the environment, the overuse of natural resources and planned obsolescence have led to a review of laws at both European and national level with a view to their modification. Among the new measures that appear, one stands out that obliges manufacturers of household appliances and electronic devices (mobile phones and computers, for example) to guarantee the repair of their products before the warranty expires.
The objective of the regulation
The regulation, which is managed by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the Ministry of Ecological Transition, is part of a strategy aimed at promoting sustainability and the circular economy. The objective is to reduce the amount of electronic waste and dependence on essential materials such as lithium, copper and nickel, which are key in the manufacture of electronic devices.
With this policy, the government is seeking to promote a more sustainable consumption model in which the repair of products takes priority over the purchase of new ones. The European proposal for a ‘right to repair’ seeks to extend the useful life of devices and to promote fairer competition in the world of repairs.
Furthermore, beyond prioritizing repair over replacement, the aim is to optimize the use of natural resources and reinforce environmental policies within an environment that is increasingly clear about the idea of fighting climate change and waste management.
Among the measures planned is the creation of a fund to finance the repair of products that can still be fixed, which will be financed by the manufacturers themselves. The idea behind this is to make the cost of repair more affordable for consumers.
The advantages of repair over replacement
One of the key aspects of this law is the ‘right to repair’, a regulation that was approved by the European Council in 2024 and is due to be incorporated at national level in 2026. This right is intended, in addition to reducing electrical waste, to extend the useful life of products after reducing the need to buy other devices so frequently.
Once the average has been consolidated, consumers will be able to take their household appliances and electronic devices to independent repair centers or directly to the manufacturers’.
Among the main benefits are:
- Possibility of repairing products at affordable prices even after the warranty has expired.
- Manufacturers are required by law to offer both original and generic parts, as well as to provide tools and repair manuals to independent technicians, which will allow consumers to freely choose where to repair their products. This will encourage competition and reduce costs.
- Positive impact on the environment.
- It increases transparency in terms of repair costs and conditions as companies must provide clear and accessible information on prices and terms of service.
The products that will be covered by this regulation
The ‘right to repair’ law will cover a wide range of products. It is estimated that around 30 types of appliance will be included, making it one of the most ambitious initiatives in terms of sustainability and consumer protection. Under the law, everything from household appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, etc.) to electronic devices (mobile phones, tablets, computers, etc.) can be repaired.
Manufacturers must guarantee the availability of spare parts for an extended period of time, even after the model has been discontinued.
