Right to Repair: New EU Consumer Rights from 1 July 2026
What concretely changes, who bears repair costs, and how the new repair index works.
By Checkalle · Last updated:
From 1 July 2026, EU manufacturers must supply spare parts for up to 10 years, disclose repair instructions, and enable repairs at fair prices. Consumers get 12 months extra statutory warranty once they opt for repair instead of replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Deadline: 31 July 2026 is the EU implementation deadline for Directive 2024/1799.
- Spare parts obligation: 7 years for smartphones, 10 years for washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers.
- +12 months warranty: Choose repair over replacement and get an extra year of seller liability.
- Repair index already live: Smartphones and tablets since June 2025, clothes dryers since July 2025.
- If refused: Contact consumer protection authority and get repairs done independently — send the bill to the seller.
Spare Parts Obligation
5–10 years available
+12 Months Warranty
after every repair
Repair Index 0–10
for smartphones since 2025
What does Directive 2024/1799 change concretely?
The EU Directive 2024/1799 — adopted 13 June 2024 — requires member states to enact national law by 31 July 2026. Germany is implementing this via amendments to consumer purchase law. Details are available from the Federal Government.
Three new obligations for manufacturers:
- Repair obligation within statutory warranty. If a device breaks in the first 2 years, you can demand repair — the seller pays.
- Repair obligation beyond warranty. For certain product groups, manufacturers must continue repairing years after purchase, for a reasonable fee.
- Transparency. Repair prices, waiting times, and spare parts must be disclosed via a standardized repair information form.
Templates and initial advice are available from consumer protection organizations.
Product groups, timelines, and legal basis
The specific timelines do not come from the Right to Repair Directive itself, but from ecodesign regulations for each product. The directive sets the framework, ecodesign rules the minimum duration.
| Product group | Spare parts minimum | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphones, tablets | 7 years | Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2023/1670 |
| Washing machines, clothes dryers | 10 years | Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/2023 |
| Dishwashers | 10 years | Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/2022 |
| Refrigerators and freezers | 7–10 years | Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/2019 |
| TVs, external power supplies | 7 years | Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/2021 |
| Vacuum cleaners | in Annex II | Right to Repair Directive 2024/1799 |
Laptops, printers, and some other devices are not yet included. The EU Commission has announced adding them gradually — no firm timeline yet. Current updates are available on the EU Right to Repair Hub.
Who bears the repair costs?
Within the first 2 years (statutory warranty): The seller pays. You have a right to remedy — repair or replacement. Choose repair and you get 12 months extra warranty on top.
After 2 years until end of spare parts obligation: You pay, but at fair prices. Manufacturers must provide original parts at reasonable terms and cannot use software or design locks to exclude independent repair shops.
In an insurance claim (e.g. damage from falls or water): Check your household insurance or electronics cover first. Often the insurer will insist on repair over replacement.
In disputes with manufacturers, a legal protection policy can help — especially for expensive devices where lawyer fees would exceed repair costs.
Manufacturer refuses repair — what to do?
Not every manufacturer will voluntarily comply. This sequence works:
- Send written notice to the manufacturer citing the repair information form, 14-day deadline.
- Contact your consumer protection authority. National consumer protection bodies offer initial consultation, sample letters, and collective action.
- Get repairs done independently and recover costs. Within statutory warranty, you can hire an independent shop after the deadline and bill the seller.
- Report to market surveillance. For systematic breaches, notify the relevant federal or state authority.
Repair index: What the 0–10 scale means
The EU repair index is no longer "planned" — it is running. Since 20 June 2025, smartphones and tablets show their score when you buy on the new EU energy label. Clothes dryers joined in July 2025. More product groups will follow step by step.
The index rates on a scale of 0–10 (rounded to one decimal):
- Availability and price of spare parts
- Ease of disassembly and tools required
- Availability of repair documentation
- Software updates and locks
France migrated its national index in early 2025 to an expanded "durability index" — other countries may follow. For you: Next time you buy a smartphone, check the score. Highly-rated devices are not only more repairable but often last longer too.
What changes for you?
Spare parts guaranteed
Original parts at reasonable prices, 5–10 years depending on product. No more inflated battery or display prices.
Repair instructions open
Manufacturers must provide instructions and software updates to independent repair shops too.
Repair index visible
When you buy, a label shows how repairable the device is — scale 0 to 10.
Extended seller liability
Choose repair over replacement and get 12 months seller warranty on top.
Devices at a glance
Smartphones
Display, battery, charging port
Washing machines
Motor, pump, door seal
TVs
Power supply, mainboard
Refrigerators
Compressor, thermostat
Timeline
June 2025
Repair index live for smartphones and tablets on the new EU energy label.
July 2025
Repair index on clothes dryers.
1 July 2026
National implementation of Right to Repair Directive 2024/1799 — deadline in EU countries.
2027–2028
Gradual expansion: Laptops and printers under review, firm date to be set.
By 2030
Full rollout for all product categories in Annex II of the directive.
Find out what other consumer rights take effect in 2026 — including greenwashing ban and withdrawal requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the right to repair exactly?
It is an EU directive (2024/1799) that requires manufacturers to enable repairs, supply spare parts, and be transparent about costs. The goal is to extend product lifespan and reduce electronic waste.
When does the right to repair apply in the EU?
From 1 July 2026, national rules must be in force. The latest deadline for EU implementation is 31 July 2026.
Which products are affected?
At launch: Smartphones, tablets, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, TVs, and vacuum cleaners. Laptops and printers are expected to follow.
How long must spare parts be available?
Depending on product group, 7 to 10 years. Smartphones: 7 years, washing machines and dishwashers: 10 years. The timeframes come from EU ecodesign regulations.
Does my warranty extend after a repair?
Within the statutory warranty period: yes, 12 months seller liability is added if you choose repair over replacement. The manufacturer's optional warranty is governed by their terms.
Is there a repair index like in France?
Yes, and it is already live: Smartphones and tablets since June 2025, clothes dryers since July 2025. The scale is 0-10 on the new EU energy label. More product groups will follow step by step.