The recent European Union directive on the right to repair significantly simplifies the process for consumers who want repair your devices.
The new regulations, currently being approved by the Member States, integrate the two-year guarantee already in force with an extension of the coverage period of the productsduring which manufacturers cannot refuse to take care of repairs.
If a device under warranty malfunctions, the customer has the right to choose between replacement and repair, with an additional year of coverage added in the latter case.
As a result, even after the warranty expires, companies will still be required to repair common devices such as smartphones, TVs and household appliances, according to EU law.
Furthermore, the possibility for the consumer to take advantage of a replacement device during the repair or, in case of impossibility of restoration, to opt for arefurbished unit.
With the introduction of this new regulation, the European Union aims to promote the repair of faulty devices instead of their replacement, encouraging a more sustainable approach to the use of electronic products.
What changes
The provisions introduced by the EU appear detailed and precise.
The European Union establishes that repairs must be accessible to a “reasonable” costavoiding discouraging consumers.
Manufacturers are required to provide spare parts and tools without using tactics that hinder the process in its phases, such as contractual clauses or hardware/software techniques.
Problems may arise if device updates stop, voiding agreements.
Furthermore, manufacturers cannot prohibit the use of second hand spare partsoriginal, compatible or 3D printed by independent repairers, provided they comply with EU regulations.
They must also provide a website with i repair pricesaccept devices previously repaired by third parties and not deny repairs for purely economic reasons.
For a more sustainable Europe
Right to repair regulations not only help consumers save money, they also contribute to reduce electronic waste and CO2 pollution, issues at the center of debate in the United States, with many laws currently under discussion.
For example, California’s repair law, effective July 1, requires manufacturers to keep spare parts, tools and repair manuals in stock for seven years for smartphones and other devices costing more than $100.
Despite the positive reception of the new expanded rules, the group Right to Repair Europe has expressed criticism regarding what it sees as missed opportunities.
The main criticisms concern the fact that the legislation applies only to products intended for consumersexcluding those purchased by businesses.
Additionally, no changes are made to existing regulations that require household and electronic appliances to be repairable for a specific period of time. While this represents progress for European users, increasing the possibilities to repair products already subject to repairability standards, other key points could have been addressed through further inclusion of product categories, a greater emphasis on repair over replacement and a Full independent repairer access to spare parts and repair information.
