If you're involved in manufacturing or selling consumer products in the EU, this legislation could significantly impact your business operations.
On 10 July 2024, the EU published Directive 2024/1799, commonly known as the "Right to Repair" directive. This new law aims to extend the lifespan of consumer products by promoting repairs, both during and after the seller's liability period. It's part of the EU's broader Green Deal strategy to establish a more sustainable, circular economy.
Who needs to know about this?
This directive is crucial for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and sellers of consumer products in the EU, particularly those dealing with:
- Household appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators)
- Electronic displays
- Welding equipment
- Vacuum cleaners
- IT equipment (servers, data storage products)
- Mobile phones and tablets
- E-bikes and e-scooters
Key changes you need to be aware of:
- Obligation to repair: Manufacturers must repair products listed in Annex II of the directive, as long as repair is possible.
- Reasonable pricing: Repairs and spare parts must be offered at reasonable prices.
- Transparency: You'll need to publish indicative repair prices on your website.
- No repair restrictions: You can't use contractual clauses or technical measures to impede repairs.
- Extended warranty: The liability period is extended by 12 months after a repair.
- Information requirements: Sellers must inform consumers about their right to choose between repair and replacement.
The directive also introduces a European Repair Information Form and an online platform to help consumers find repairers.
What should you do now?
- Review your product portfolio to identify affected items.
- Start planning for the required changes in your repair services and policies.
- Consider how you'll manage the extended warranty periods.
- Prepare to update your consumer information and website content.
While the directive doesn't come into force until 31 July 2026, it's wise to start preparing now. This new legislation represents a significant shift in how we approach product longevity and consumer rights in the EU.
Need help navigating these changes? Don't hesitate to reach out to our team at Alura Group. We're here to help you understand and implement these new requirements effectively.