EU Sets New ‘Right to Repair’ Rules for Electronics

The EU right to repair rules are set to make it easier — and cheaper — to repair consumer electronics like smartphones, rather than replacing them. The European Parliament approved the measures on 23 April. Final adoption will follow the remaining formal steps. EU member states will then have two years to implement the directive into national law.

Why the EU is introducing these rules

These rules form part of a wider effort to reduce electronic waste across the EU. They follow years of development and build on a legislative proposal first issued in March 2023. In a European Parliament statement, the directive aims to “clarify obligations” for manufacturers on repairs. It also aims to encourage consumers to keep devices in use for longer.

What manufacturers must do

The rules require manufacturers to provide prompt, affordable repair services. They must also inform consumers about the repair options available. If a product is repaired, the rules add a one-year warranty extension to the repaired item. Smartphones also fall within the scope of the measures. Manufacturers must continue offering repair services even after the original warranty has expired.

Spare parts, tools, and anti-repair practices

The forthcoming regulations require manufacturers to supply tools and spare parts at a “reasonable price”. They also ban contractual terms, hardware features, or “software techniques” that make repairs harder. The directive prevents original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) from blocking the use of legitimate spare parts. This includes second-hand or 3D-printed parts used by independent repair services.

Manufacturers also cannot refuse repairs purely because they consider them uneconomical. They cannot refuse a repair simply because a third party repaired the device previously.

What EU countries must implement

Alongside manufacturer obligations, each EU country must introduce at least one initiative to support the repair of electronic goods. This may include repair vouchers, public information campaigns, training and educational courses, or support for community-based repair projects.

An EU-wide platform to find repair services

The plan also includes an EU-wide online platform. It will help consumers find repair services more easily across member states.

If you would like more information, please refer to Chris Donkin’s full article on Mobile World Live here.