Member states have until July 31, 2026, to implement these regulations into their national laws.
Under the new directive, manufacturers of certain products, including refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and smartphones (with the list expected to expand), are required to offer repair services at reasonable prices.
Additionally, manufacturers must make spare parts available, significantly easing the repair process. Previously, repairs were often impossible due to a lack of replacement parts or because devices were designed to be unrepairable.
The new rules also grant consumers the right to extend their warranty by one year if they choose to repair a faulty product instead of replacing it.
Repairs must be available even after the warranty period, with manufacturers obligated to provide repairs at a reasonable price and within a reasonable timeframe.
Repairs can be conducted not only at authorized service centers but also at independent repair shops. To facilitate this, the EU will launch a European repair platform to help consumers find suitable workshops easily.
(jh)
Source: PAP