Right to Repair
New EU rules: Manufacturers must provide spare parts and facilitate repairs.
Spare Parts Required
Available 5-10 years
Fair Prices
For spare parts & repairs
Less Waste
Longer product lifespans
Affected Product Groups
Smartphones
Display, Battery, Charging port
Washing Machines
Motor, Pump, Door seal
Televisions
Power supply, Main board, Display
Refrigerators
Compressor, Thermostat, Seals
What Changes for Consumers?
Guaranteed Spare Parts
Manufacturers must offer spare parts at reasonable prices. No more inflated prices for batteries or displays.
Repair Instructions
Manufacturers must provide repair instructions and software updates for independent workshops.
Repair Index
A label shows at purchase how well a device can be repaired (scale 1-10).
Extended Warranty
After a repair, warranty is extended by 1 year - an incentive for repair over replacement.
Timeline
July 2026
EU directive comes into force. First product groups (smartphones, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, TVs) are affected.
2027-2028
Expansion to more product groups: Laptops, tablets, vacuum cleaners, printers and more.
2030
Full implementation for all affected product categories. EU-wide repair index mandatory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the right to repair?
The right to repair is an EU directive that requires manufacturers to provide spare parts and repair instructions. The goal is to extend product lifespans and reduce electronic waste.
When does the right to repair apply?
The EU directive must be transposed into national law by July 2026. From then, the new rules apply to manufacturers and retailers.
Which products are affected?
Initially: Washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, TVs, smartphones, tablets. The list will gradually expand to laptops, vacuum cleaners and other product groups.
How long must spare parts be available?
Manufacturers must provide spare parts for 5-10 years after purchase depending on product group. Smartphones: 7 years, Washing machines: 10 years. Parts must be offered at reasonable prices.
Will there be a repair index like in France?
Yes, a uniform EU repair index is planned. It shows on a scale of 1-10 how well a device can be repaired. Factors: Spare part price, availability, disassembly.