The European Parliament and Council have validated an agreement aimed at making the repair of electronic products more accessible for consumers, even after the end of the warranty period. The agreement provides for an automatic extension of the legal warranty by an additional 12 months after each repair, thus offering owners of electronic devices greater peace of mind. This measure aims to encourage the general public to opt for repairs rather than replacement of their equipment.
But that’s not all. Manufacturers will now be required to inform consumers of their repair obligations, while expanding the list of common household products that must be repaired, including smartphones, washing machines and vacuum cleaners. Additionally, consumers will have the option to borrow a replacement device during repair or opt for a refurbished device.
The EU also plans to push manufacturers to provide detailed information on spare parts and take measures to ensure that they are available at reasonable prices. In addition, the use of second-hand or 3D-manufactured spare parts by independent repairers will now be authorized, putting an end to the restrictive practices of certain large companies in the sector, notably Apple.
An initiative which is in addition to the repair bonus put in place since January 1, 2024, and which will have to wait a few months before being adopted by the Council and Parliament, so that Member States can transpose it into their national law. They will have 24 months after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU to implement it.
To note, The Digitals integrates the repairability index of the products tested and also assigns a durability score to identify, among other things, the most durable smartphones.