Directive on common rules promoting the repair of goods published
Last week, Directive (EU) 2024/1799, on common rules promoting the repair of goods, was officially published in the Official Journal.
The Directive aligns with the European Green Deal's goals, focusing on enhancing the internal market's functionality, increasing consumer protection, and promoting sustainable consumption through repair and reuse.
It establishes consistent rules to facilitate cross-border repair services and competition among repairers, reducing premature disposal of goods, and encouraging consumers to extend the lifespan of their products. The Directive includes the following:
- a new "right to repair" for consumers, both within and beyond the warranty period;
- while the warranty is in effect, sellers will be required to offer to repair defective and damaged products, unless it is more expensive that the replacement;
- a right for consumers to request producers to repair products that are technically repairable under EU law, such as a washing machine or TV, which will ensure that consumers always have someone to turn to when they opt to repair their products, as well as to encourage producers to develop more sustainable business models;
- a producer's obligation to inform consumers about which products they must repair themselves;
- an online matchmaking platform to connect consumers with repairs and sellers of refurbished goods in their area, which will enable searches by location and quality standards, helping consumers find attractive offers and boosting visibility for repairers;
- a European Repair Information Form, which consumers will be able to request from any repairer, bringing transparency to the conditions for repair and the cost, as well as making it easier for consumers to compare repair offers;
- a European quality standard for repair services will be developed to help consumers identify repairers who commit to a high quality, which will be open to all repairers across the EU willing to commit to minimum quality standards, such as based on duration, or availability of products;
- requirement for Member States to take at least one measure that promotes repair, such as repair vouchers, repair funds or support to local repair initiatives, which can be supported by EU funds, as is already the case in some Member States.
It comes after years of intense campaigning by right to repair advocates. The Right to Repair Europe coalition, representing more than 140 organisations in 24 European countries, celebrated that the new law will pave the way for better access to affordable repairs for selected products.
On the Right to Repair website they commented: "We applaud the rules on reasonable prices for original parts as well as the ban of software practices which prevent independent repair and the use of compatible and reused spare parts. This is a step in the right direction for affordable repair".
"However, we must note that with the adoption of the law, a major chance is being missed to create a truly fair repair market in Europe and to ensure affordable repair solutions for the majority of products on the European market. We regret that the scope of products covered remains very narrow and that many loopholes were introduced. We call for a swift implementation of these rules, including Commission guidelines on the definition of “reasonable” prices for spare parts, a solid execution of the ban on anti-repair practices and the introduction of national financial incentives for repair by EU Member States".
EU lawmakers also remind national authorities that the EU framework already allows Member States to apply a reduced value-added tax (VAT) on repair services of household appliances, shoes and leather goods, clothing and household items. However as of April 2024 only seven members have been experimenting with reduced VAT for repair services.
EU countries will have two years to incorporate this Directive into their national legislation and must lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of national provisions adopted under the Directive, and must take all measures necessary to ensure they are implemented.
