The obligation for manufacturers to repair their products at reasonable prices and within a reasonable time after the expiry of the statutory warranty and for consumers to have access to spare parts, tools and technical information are among other things included in the new rules approved on Tuesday by the Plenary of the European Parliament, in Strasbourg, with 584 votes in favor, 3 against and 14 abstentions, with a Directive thus strengthening consumer rights.
According to a press release from the European Parliament, with the Directive on the so-called “consumer right to repair”, the new rules clarify the obligations that manufacturers will have in future regarding the repair of their products and will encourage consumers to extend the lifetime of their goods.
As reported, the new rules oblige manufacturers to offer fast and cost-effective repair services and inform consumers of their right, while each time a good is repaired within its warranty period, that warranty will be extended for an additional time, which encourages consumers to choose repair over replacement.
It adds that after the statutory warranty expires, the manufacturer will still be required to repair some common household appliances that are already technically repairable under European law, such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners and even smart phones. It is noted that other product categories may be added to this list in the future, while consumers will also have the right to request a loaner device while theirs is being repaired or, if it cannot be repaired, they will be able to alternatively choose to acquire a remanufactured product.
At the same time, it is stated that consumers will be able to be informed in a special form of the price and required time for each repair service, depending on the damage found, so that they can evaluate and compare the services in question. To make repair procedures easier, a European online platform will be created through which consumers will be able to find shops for repair services, selling refurbished products, buying defective products and local initiatives such as community repair workshops or “repair cafés”.
It is pointed out that the aim of the new rules is to strengthen the repair market in the EU and reduce costs for consumers. Manufacturers will be required to offer parts and tools at reasonable prices and will be prohibited from using contract clauses, hardware and software that prevent repairs. In particular, they will not be able to prevent the use of used or 3D printed parts by independent repairers, nor will they be able to refuse to repair a product solely for economic reasons or because the product has been previously repaired by someone else.
It is also mentioned that in order to make repairs more affordable, each member state should implement at least one measure that will promote them. Such measures are for example the provision of vouchers and subsidies for repairs, conducting information campaigns, providing repair courses and supporting local initiatives for the repair of goods.
It is noted that in his statement, the rapporteur, German MEP René Repasi of the Socialists, said, among other things, that “the right of consumers to repair products will now become a reality. The new legislation extends the warranty period by 12 months when something is repaired, provides better access to spare parts and ensures that products are easier, cheaper and faster to repair,” he noted
It is noted that once the Directive has been formally adopted by the Council and published in the Official Journal of the EU, Member States will have 24 months to incorporate it into their national law.
According to the European Commission, each year the premature disposal of consumer goods produces 261 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, consumes 30 million tonnes of resources and generates 35 million tonnes of waste in the EU. Consumers also lose around €12 billion a year by replacing products instead of repairing them . In addition, the new rules are expected to generate €4.8 billion in growth and investment within the EU.
The press release states that the Directive complements other new EU rules for ecological design and consumer support for the green transition.
Source: KYPE
