2024-04-23 18:35:12
The law, which has yet to be finalized by EU member states, will require manufacturers to repair out-of-warranty goods, where possible, free of charge or at a “reasonable cost”.
The new rules aim to help consumers and reduce waste, so people can use products longer and change them less often.
The first draft of the legal act was proposed by the European Commission in March 2023.
A total of 584 EU legislators voted for the legislation, only three voted against and 14 abstained.
EU legislation already requires manufacturers to repair or replace defective goods free of charge under a two-year warranty.
The provisions approved on Monday would extend the warranty for such a repaired product by one year.
They also require manufacturers to inform consumers of their right to choose repair over replacement when returning a product under warranty.
However, more important changes are related to non-warranty repairs: for example, when products were purchased more than two years ago or when they are accidentally damaged after purchase.
The legislation states that manufacturers will be required to offer out-of-warranty repairs free of charge or at a “reasonable cost”. Manufacturers would not be required to repair goods “when they cannot be repaired.”
They should also sell all the spare parts they manufacture to a third party ie repairers and that too at a ‘reasonable price’.
2024-04-23 18:35:12