Encouraging consumers to repair devices instead of discarding them is the central aim of the newly launched National Repairers Register in the Netherlands. Introduced by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management  in collaboration with industry group Techniek Nederland, the register helps people easily find certified, professional repair services for household appliances.

Currently, 314 repair specialists are listed in the database, covering repairs for appliances like washing machines, washer-dryers, refrigerators, freezers, screens, and dishwashers.

Beyond just listing repair services, the register also includes details on warranty policies for consumer electronics. It features practical resources related to the circular economy, such as Repair Cafés, thrift shops, circular craft centres, and WeCycle, a national e-waste collection initiative.

The creation of this register aligns with the principles of the Right to Repair, an EU-wide regulation aimed at making electronics more repairable and sustainable. The Netherlands is the first European country to implement a government-backed and industry-supported register of this kind.