New European regulations to promote the repair of products and devices

The European Parliament (EP) adopted its negotiating position on new measures to strengthen the right to repair and thus reduce the environmental impact of mass consumption.

With 590 votes in favour, 15 against and 15 abstentions, the EP approved on Tuesday its negotiating mandate on a new “right to repair” for consumers. The proposal aims to promote more sustainable consumption, which will facilitate the repair of defective goods, reduce waste, and support the repair sector.

Repair instead of buy, even after warranty expires

Within the legal warranty period, sellers would be obliged to give priority to repair if it is cheaper or of equal cost than replacing an item, unless repair is not feasible or convenient for the consumer. The European Parliament also proposes extending the legal warranty by one year once the product has been repaired.

Consumers will have the right to have goods such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, smartphones and bicycles repaired after the warranty has expired. In order for consumers to opt for this option, the European Parliament advocates that manufacturers offer replacement devices on loan for the duration of the repair. If it is not possible to repair a product, a refurbished product could be offered in exchange.

A more competitive repair market and incentives to opt for repair

Consumers are often deterred from repairing an item by the high cost, difficulty in accessing repair services, or design features that prevent this. According to Parliament’s position, end users, restorers and independent repairers would have access to all spare parts, repair information and tools at a reasonable cost.

Online platforms will be created in all Member States to help consumers find local repair services – including repair cafes – and sellers of refurbished products in their area. To make repairs more affordable and attractive, the European Parliament proposes offering consumers bonuses and other financial incentives through national repair funds.

Speaker’s statement

René Repasi (S&D, Germany) said: “The EP strongly supports consumers’ right to redress. Finally we can say that we are responding to a citizen demand. People want to extend the life of their devices, but it is often too expensive or difficult. We have taken a number of measures to encourage consumers to choose repair over replacement of defective product, with an emphasis on supporting independent repairers and including financial incentives. We hope that the Council will set its position soon, so that we can begin negotiations to transform these measures into legislation and pave the way for a true circular economy in Europe.

Next steps

Once the Council adopts its own negotiating position on Wednesday 22nd, talks with Parliament can begin, with a first meeting scheduled for 7th December.

Background

Throwing away repairable consumer goods has a major environmental impact: each year, 261 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions, 30 million tonnes of resources and 35 million tonnes of waste are generated in the Union. The loss of consumers who choose to replace an item rather than repair it amounts to around €12 billion a year. According to a study by the European Commission, 77% of EU citizens would prefer to repair a product than buy a new one.

The proposal on the right to repair complements European initiatives on eco-design and consumer empowerment for the green transition.

Conference on the Future of Europe

This legislation responds to the citizen recommendations included in the final report of the Conference on the Future of Europe , specifically proposals 5 (6), 5 (7), 5 (10) and 11 (2) on the promotion of the right to repair, long-term sustainability of products, information on repairs, measures to address premature and planned obsolescence, extension of legal warranty, access to parts and components, incentives for the use of products for longer and, in general, progress towards a circular economy.

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