European Union Reaches Agreement on New Repair Laws
Advocates says it doesn't go far enough, but it's a start. More than 60,000 urge FTC to enact repair rules. Plus: the lost art of typewriter repair in a digital world.
This week, negotiators with the European Parliament and Council announced they had reached an agreement on new repair rules as part of their larger ecodesign agenda. These new rules support independent repair and will improve access to affordable repair options for specific products, with the aim of people holding onto devices for longer by opting to repair- rather than replace them.
The law introduces rules demanding reasonable prices for original parts, banning anti-repair software practices, and forcing manufacturers to offer repairs beyond the legal guarantee period for specified products. Key measures of the agreement include:
An obligation to repair common household products by manufacturers including products like washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and smartphones.
A requirement that manufacturers give information to consumers needed to complete repairs.
A requirement that consumers be allowed to borrow a device while their own is being repaired, or opt for a refurbished unit as an alternative.
A demand that repair prices be accessible online at no cost.
A legal guarantee for repaired goods to be extended by one year.
Additionally, the EU Commission plans to establish an online platform for repair and buyback solutions and provide repair quotes to enhance repair visibility and affordability. This isn’t a new idea, since countries like India have already rolled out similar online repair platforms.
Member states will also be required to pass at least one measure to promote repair which include “repair vouchers and funds, information campaigns, repair courses or support for community-led repair spaces, or in line with existing rules on taxation, a reduction of the VAT rate on repair services.”
Where things falls short
These requirements are no doubt a positive change to make repair more accessible and cost-effective. But while many have called the agreement a victory, advocates are still urging for more comprehensive legislation. The largest concern, per usual, is scope of the law. As it stands, the current rules (much like France’s repairability index) are limited to certain categories of products with the potential for possible expansion.
More broadly, critics such as those participating in the Right to Repair Europe Coalition, are highlighting a lack of force in the law’s abilty to shift accessibility of repair information and the availability of spare parts—calling for a more extensive right to repair legislation.
Those expecting immediate changes will be left waiting. The process of passing (let alone implementing) a law in the European Union is complicated and long. In this case, there will be a 24-month period in which the countries that make up the EU will have to adopt national laws that align with the EU’s agreement.
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