2024-04-28 15:28:34
The cost of new electronics is often less than the cost of repairing a broken piece. In the future, this could change in the EU, repairs should be a more acceptable option for consumers. The new rules approved by the European Parliament this week are taking this into account. It should motivate consumers to look for quality service instead of new parts.
The new directive imposes obligations primarily on manufacturers. They will have to guarantee consumers that the product will be repaired in the event of a malfunction, within a reasonable time and at a reasonable cost.
Photo: EU
The new legislation also regulates the length of the warranty. If the item breaks during the warranty period and is subsequently repaired, the warranty should then be extended for a further twelve months. Thus, with the prospect of a longer warranty, people could be more motivated to repair instead of buying new products.
Manufacturers will also be obliged to repair some goods even after the warranty has expired. This will apply to common household appliances that can be repaired, such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, but also smartphones.
People will then be entitled to borrow a replacement device, and if their original device cannot be repaired, they will be able to get another, refurbished one.
Electronics repair will no longer be overpriced
MEPs overwhelmingly approved the right to correction. Only three MEPs voted against and fourteen abstained.
“The right of consumers to repair products will now become a reality. It will be easier and cheaper to repair than to buy new, expensive goods,” its rapporteur, MEP René Repasi from the socialist group, said of the new legislation.
Praise also comes from the ranks of the Czech representatives. All Czech MEPs raised their hand in favor of the new directive, which is unusual, as they often differ in their opinions. This time, however, the legislation received unanimous support from the Czech Republic.
“The right to repair will ensure that electronics repairs will not be artificially overpriced. The change does not prohibit anyone from purchasing a new product every two years, but it gives the option to people who do not want to do it,” declared Czech MEP Marcel Kolaja (Pirates).
Consumers will be able to choose the service
The new legislation was also welcomed by Swappie, a company that refurbishes and sells used iPhones. “The legislation clearly envisages that consumers will be able to choose any repair provider, regardless of whether it is associated with the original manufacturer,” the company told Euractiv.com.
According to Swappie, this will enable fair competition between repairers and consumers could have more confidence in repairs. Manufacturers will also be obliged to provide repairers with spare parts at an adequate price.
Although the legislation introduces a number of new obligations especially for manufacturers, they do not oppose the approved rules. For example, the European Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers claims that already 91 percent of repair requests handled by its members actually lead to a repair.
“Right-to-repair legislation will further improve the already excellent situation in the home appliance industry,” said Candice Richaud, APPLiA’s senior manager of corporate affairs.
An overview of repairers will be online
The European Union will also create a special information portal through which people should get details about repair shops or sellers of refurbished goods in the vicinity or about the prices and duration of repairs.
Another obligation applies to states. Every EU member state should try to promote the repairs, for example through information campaigns or vouchers.
The directive will still have to be approved by the representatives of the member states. Countries will then have two years to transpose it into their national law. Only then will its impact be felt by consumers across Europe.