Since 31 July 2026, EU Member States have been required to apply national rules based on Directive (EU) 2024/1799 on the repair of goods. The aim is to make repair a better alternative to replacing defective products.
For businesses, the EU Right to Repair rules affect after-sales services, spare parts, pricing, warranties and customer communication. Manufacturers, retailers, importers and repair providers should review their procedures and confirm which requirements apply.
Which products are covered?
The duty to repair does not apply to every consumer product. It covers goods subject to repairability requirements under EU law and listed in Annex II of the Directive.
The European Commission gives refrigerators and smartphones as examples. Other categories include washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and electronic displays. The list will grow as more products become subject to EU ecodesign rules.
Companies should check whether the goods they manufacture, import or sell are covered and monitor future changes.
New obligations for manufacturers
Manufacturers of covered products must offer repairs within a reasonable period and at a reasonable price. Information about repair services must be easy to find on the company website or in product instructions.
Businesses must also publish indicative prices for common repairs on a website consumers can access free of charge. Where spare parts are available, their prices must not discourage consumers from choosing repair.
Manufacturers cannot use contractual terms, hardware or software techniques that prevent repair unless there is a legitimate and objective reason.
If a manufacturer is based outside the EU, duties may fall on its authorised representative, importer or distributor. Importers should therefore check their position in the supply chain.
What changes for retailers?
When a consumer chooses repair instead of replacement under the legal guarantee, the guarantee is extended by one year.
Retailers must explain the available remedies clearly and record when the repair was completed and when the extended guarantee ends.
Sales terms, support pages, complaint procedures and staff training may need updating. The extra year applies only when repair is chosen under the legal guarantee, not to every paid repair after it expires.
Opportunities for repair businesses
Repair providers may use the European Repair Information Form to present the service, estimated price and main conditions. Its use is voluntary, but once provided, the terms must remain valid for 30 days.
The EU plans to launch a European online repair platform in January 2028. It should help consumers find providers and compare services, creating opportunities for repair shops, service centres, spare-parts suppliers and refurbished-product businesses.
How should companies prepare?
Businesses should identify covered products and review repair times, prices, spare-parts availability, technical restrictions, supplier contracts and warranty records.
They should update websites, customer notices and internal procedures. Staff responsible for sales, complaints and repairs must understand the rules.
The EU Right to Repair rules may increase compliance costs, but they can also strengthen customer trust and create new revenue opportunities. Companies should verify national legislation in each country where they operate, as implementation and enforcement may differ.
link: Directive on repair of goods – European Commission
AI image
