Last week saw the completion of the new ECGT Directive. The Right to Repair Europe coalition applauds this action towards better clarity for consumers, as the law will restrain greenwashing and deceptive green claims, including those about product durability and repairability.

Dealers have to disclose information on repairability – but only if they have access to it. The ECGT alters the Consumer Rights Directive to oblige those who sell to consumers to relay repairability information, if they obtain it from the makers. This means that traders are required to give consumers a product’s repairability score if the product is under the Ecodesign Directive. For products beyond ecodesign, traders are required to give information on essential spare parts, repair and maintenance instructions, and repair limitations – but only if makers provide this information willingly.

By altering the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, the ECGT forbids traders from providing false or misleading information on repairability. The circularity aspects of a product, such as its reparability, durability or recyclability, cannot be lied or misled about by traders. The new law also bans misleading information on software updates, and false information on using consumables, spare parts or accessories from other suppliers than the original manufacturer.