Every year, Europeans discard millions of tonnes of electronic waste, much of it still repairable. The EU's Right to Repair Directive, adopted this summer, now applies across all 27 member states, pushing manufacturers to make fixing devices easier than replacing them.
What the new rules change
Under the directive, choosing repair during a product's legal guarantee extends that protection by at least 12 months. Once the warranty expires, manufacturers must still repair certain goods on request, including washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, TVs, phones, tablets, vacuum cleaners, tumble dryers, servers, welding equipment, and e-bike and e-scooter batteries.
Companies can no longer refuse repairs simply because parts are costly, an independent shop has opened the device, or the owner attempted a DIY fix. They can only refuse if repair is truly impossible. Unhappy customers can complain to national authorities, which must enforce "effective, proportionate and dissuasive" penalties.
Repairs won't be free. Manufacturers can still charge reasonable prices for parts and labour. To help consumers compare deals, Brussels is introducing a standard repair information form and, from 2027, a free online repair platform.
The directive is part of a broader EU push to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Similar efforts have been outlined in earlier proposals to cut appliance waste and save consumers money. The new rules also align with the European Green Deal's circular economy goals.
For consumers, the practical impact will vary by country. In Germany, for example, the national enforcement body will handle complaints, while in France, existing repairability indices will be updated to match the EU standard. The directive leaves room for member states to set their own penalties, as long as they are dissuasive.
Environmental groups have welcomed the measure but note that the list of covered products is limited. They argue that extending it to more categories, such as laptops and power tools, would further cut the 35 million tonnes of e-waste generated annually in the EU. The European Commission has promised to review the list within a few years.
Manufacturers, meanwhile, have raised concerns about costs and the availability of spare parts. Some have already begun offering repair services, but smaller firms may struggle to comply. The directive includes a requirement for manufacturers to provide spare parts for a minimum period, which varies by product type.
The repair platform, set to launch in 2027, will allow consumers to find repair shops and compare prices across the EU. It will also include information on warranty extensions and consumer rights, making it easier for people to exercise their new rights.
As the directive takes effect, the focus now shifts to national implementation. Member states have until mid-2026 to transpose the rules into national law. Until then, consumers may see little change, but the framework is now in place for a more repairable Europe.
