The European Union has introduced a new “Right to Repair” directive designed to make it easier for consumers to repair faulty household appliances instead of replacing them. Member states have until July 31, 2026, to incorporate these regulations into their national laws.

Under the new directive, manufacturers of specific products, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and smartphones (with more products likely to be added), must offer repair services at reasonable prices.

Additionally, manufacturers are required to provide spare parts, significantly facilitating the repair process. In the past, repairs were often unfeasible due to the unavailability of replacement parts or the design of devices that made them unrepairable.

The new regulations also grant consumers the right to extend their warranty by one year if they opt to repair a faulty product rather than replace it.

Repairs must be available even after the warranty period, with manufacturers obligated to provide repairs at a reasonable price and within a reasonable timeframe.

Repairs can be conducted not only at authorized service centers but also at independent repair shops. To support this, the EU will launch a European repair platform to help consumers easily find suitable workshops.