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EU's new right-to-repair rules force companies to repair out-of-warranty devices

<p>The European Union has adopted a <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240419IPR20590/right-to-repair-making-repair-easier-and-more-appealing-to-consumers">right-to-repair directive[/url] that will make it easier for consumers to get their devices fixed. The <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6461-2024-INIT/en/pdf">new rules[/url] extend a product's guarantee if it breaks under warranty, while obliging manufacturers to repair devices no longer covered. The law still needs to be approved by member nations.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Devices sold in Europe already offer minimum two-year warranties, but the new rules impose additional requirements. If a device is repaired under warranty, the customer must be given a choice between a replacement or a repair. If they choose the latter, the warranty is to be extended by a year.&nbsp;</p>
<span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Once it expires, companies are still required to repair &quot;common household products&quot; that are repairable under EU law, like smartphones, TVs and certain appliances (the list of devices can be extended over time). Consumer may also borrow a device during the repair or, if it can't be fixed, opt for a refurbished unit as an alternative.</p>
<p>The EU says repairs must be offered at a &quot;reasonable&quot; price such that &quot;consumers are not intentionally deterred&quot; from them. Manufacturers need to supply spare parts and tools and not try to weasel out of repairs through the use of &quot;contractual clauses, hardware or software techniques.&quot; The latter, while not stated, may make it harder for companies to sunset devices by <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-original-apple-watch-lineup-is-officially-obsolete-083825819.html">halting future updates[/url].&nbsp;</p>
<p>In addition, manufacturers can't stop the use of second-hand, original, compatible or 3D-printed spare parts by independent repairers as long as they're in conformity with EU laws. They must provide a website that shows prices for repairs, can't refuse to fix a device previously repaired by someone else and can't refuse a repair for economic reasons.</p>
<p>While applauding the expanded rules, Europe's Right to Repair group said it there were <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://repair.eu/news/analysis-of-the-adopted-directive-on-common-rules-promoting-the-repair-of-goods/">missed opportunities[/url]. It would have liked to see more product categories included, priority for repair over replacement, the right for independent repairers to have access to all spare parts/repair information and more. &quot;Our coalition will continue to push for ambitious repairability requirements... as well as working with members focused on the implementation of the directive in each member state.&quot;</p>
<p>Along with helping consumers save money, right-to-repair rules help reduce e-waste, CO2 pollution and more. The area is currently a battleground in the US as well, with legislation under debate in around half the states. California's <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/californias-right-to-repair-bill-is-now-californias-right-to-repair-law-232526782.html">right-to-repair law[/url] — going into effect on July 1 — forces manufacturers to stock replacement parts, tools and repair manuals for seven years for smartphones and other devices that cost over $100.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/eus-new-right-to-repair-rules-force-companies-to-repair-out-of-warranty-devices-081939123.html?src=rss

Source: EU's new right-to-repair rules force companies to repair out-of-warranty devices (https://www.engadget.com/eus-new-right-to-repair-rules-force-companies-to-repair-out-of-warranty-devices-081939123.html?src=rss)