Europe (Washington Insider Magazine) —On Tuesday, the European Parliament adopted a landmark proposal to strengthen the “right to repair” for consumers, passing it with 590 votes in favor, 15 against, and 15 abstentions. The proposal aims to promote sustainable consumption by making it easier for consumers to repair faulty products, thus reducing waste and supporting the repair sector.
Repair Over Replacement, Even After Warranty Expiry
Under the new rules, sellers must prioritize repairs over replacements if it is equally or less costly during the legal guarantee period unless repair is impractical. Additionally, the legal guarantee would be extended by one year once a product is repaired.
Consumers will also have the right to request repairs for items such as washing machines, smartphones, vacuum cleaners, and bicycles after the warranty expires. MEPs propose offering consumers replacement devices on loan while their product is being repaired. If the repair is not feasible, a refurbished item may be provided.
Building a Competitive Repair Market
Many consumers are often deterred from repairing products due to high costs, limited access to services, or designs that complicate repairs. The new proposal ensures that independent repairers and consumers have access to spare parts, tools, and repair information at reasonable prices.
To further assist consumers, online platforms will help locate local repair services and refurbished goods. Financial incentives, including vouchers and national repair funds, will make repairs more affordable and appealing.
Supporting Independent Repairers
Rapporteur René Repasi (S&D, DE) highlighted that the initiative responds to public demand for longer-lasting products. “We’ve adopted measures to encourage consumers to repair, not replace, focusing on supporting independent repairers and creating financial incentives,” he said. “We hope Council will soon adopt their position so we can negotiate and turn these measures into law, paving the way for a circular economy.”
Next Steps
The Council is expected to adopt its position on November 22, with talks set to begin in December, aiming for a final agreement.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Throwing away repairable goods has significant environmental consequences, leading to 30 million tonnes of resource usage, 261 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, and 35 million tonnes of waste annually in the EU. The economic impact is also substantial, with consumers losing €12 billion annually by replacing products instead of repairing them. A European Commission study shows that 77% of EU citizens prefer repairing items over buying new ones.
This proposal complements other EU initiatives, including Ecodesign and efforts to empower consumers in the green transition. It aligns with recommendations from the Conference on the Future of Europe, advocating for sustainable product use and a circular economy.
