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New EU law: Repair instead of throwing away – this is how consumers benefit!
The Altmarkkreis Salzwedel provides information about the EU regulation on the right to repair and its effects on consumers and manufacturers.
New EU law: Repair instead of throwing away – this is how consumers benefit!
What does the new EU “Right to Repair” regulation bring? Starting tomorrow, June 20, 2025, new rules for cell phone and tablet manufacturers adopted in Brussels will come into force across the board. This initiative aims to give consumers more rights and options to repair their devices. Loud MDR, manufacturers will in future have to provide spare parts and make repair information available for up to seven years after purchase.
As part of the regulation, a new energy label for smartphones will also be introduced, which assesses the repairability and breakage resistance of the devices. This measure follows the example of washing machines and is a further step towards sustainable consumption. It is interesting that, according to the Saxony-Anhalt consumer advice center, 89% of consumers want their defective devices to be repaired, but only around 23% are actually repaired. Here, Susanne Riedel from the consumer advice center sees the real benefit of the new EU directive, which strengthens consumer rights.
Repair cafés and local initiatives
In connection with this reform, local initiatives such as repair cafés are also coming to the fore. Dietrich Zosel, operator of such a café in Stendal, has already pointed out the high costs of spare parts and suggests extending the warranty period. The Stendal Repair Café also works on repairing defective devices, occasionally replicating parts using a 3D printer. However, he has to report that the local waste disposal company refuses to dismantle old devices.
In order to further improve the situation for consumers, there are proposals for a nationwide platform that lists reliable repair companies and offers bonuses for repaired devices. This could not only make the repair process easier, but also more attractive.
Impact and objectives of the directive
The EU Right to Repair Directive was ultimately adopted on June 13, 2024 and aims to encourage the repair of goods. It clarifies manufacturers' obligations and provides incentives to increase consumer interest in repairs. Manufacturers are now obliged to offer repairs cost-effectively and to inform their customers about their rights. An important detail is the increased liability periods; Repairs within the warranty period lead to an extension of the liability period by one year. More information about the policy can be found in the official document Eur-Lex be read.
Every year, premature disposal of consumer goods in the EU generates around 261 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent and 35 million tonnes of waste, while consumers suffer losses of around 12 billion euros annually by purchasing new devices instead of repairs. The new rules have the potential to trigger €4.8 billion in investment growth across the EU and are a response to citizen concerns raised at the Conference on the Future of Europe. This puts a stronger focus on sustainable consumption and growth, as well European Parliament reported.
These new measures could promote a more sustainable use of technology and devices - and in the end, not only the consumer's wallet benefits, but also the environment. Now it's time to use the new rights!