The Right to Repair Europe coalition, consisting of over 130 organizations, is pleased with the recent provisional agreement reached by the European Council and Parliament regarding the right-to-repair directive. This agreement is a significant step forward in providing European consumers with improved access to affordable repair options for specific products.
The directive introduces rules that promote independent repair and enhance consumer access to reasonably priced repair services. It specifically addresses issues such as fair pricing for original parts and the prohibition of software practices that hinder independent repair and the use of compatible and reused spare parts.
It is important to note, however, that these rules only apply to products falling within specific categories defined by EU legislation. For these selected product categories, manufacturers are now required to offer repair options beyond the legal guarantee period of two years. The Right to Repair Europe coalition emphasizes the need for more comprehensive legislation that covers a broader range of product categories in the future.
While the current law falls short in providing broader access to repair information, spare parts, and prioritizing repair within the legal guarantee framework, efforts have been made to improve repair affordability. As part of the agreement, the EU Commission will establish an online platform that lists repair and buyback solutions in Member States, along with harmonized quotes/estimations to enhance visibility and transparency of repair options and costs.
Lawmakers also encourage Member States to implement repair funds and vouchers as effective strategies to improve repair affordability. Additionally, the directive aims to make repair under guarantee more attractive by mandating sellers to propose repairs during the legal guarantee period, accompanied by a one-year extension of the guarantee after repair.
Despite these positive developments, concerns remain regarding the perceived incentive for repair compared to the offer of replacements, which includes an additional two-year legal guarantee coverage. The EU Commission plans to establish an online platform to help consumers locate nearby repair options, further increasing repair visibility.
The Right to Repair Europe coalition will conduct a detailed analysis of the measures once the approved legal text becomes accessible. Overall, stakeholders emphasize the importance of ongoing efforts to secure ecodesign rules for more products in the future, ensuring a universal right to repair and fostering a more circular economy within the EU.
