EU Right to Repair: What Changes and When
What Is the Right to Repair
The EU’s Right to Repair package is a set of rules that make fixing products easier and more attractive than replacing them. It targets the real blockers: missing spare parts, software locks, and unclear repair pricing. For consumers, that means more choice. For manufacturers, it means designing for repair and supporting repairs for longer.
- More repairs, fewer replacements: Stronger push to fix products during the legal warranty.
- After-warranty repairs: Certain products must be repairable with published pricing and terms.
- Spare parts & manuals: Better access to parts, tools and documentation for longer.
- Software locks: Pairing practices that block legitimate repairs are restricted.
- Timeline: Measures phase in through 2026–2027 as national laws take effect.
What Changes for Consumers
During the Legal Warranty
When a product fails inside the legal warranty, repair should be prioritized where reasonable. That can mean a repaired item instead of a like-for-like swap, and in many cases an extra guarantee period on the part replaced, so you don’t lose coverage by choosing repair.
After the Warranty
For specific product categories, manufacturers must offer repair on fair terms even after the warranty ends. You’ll see clearer pricing and standardized info so you can compare repair vs. replace. Expect an EU Repair Form you can request for quotes, plus national repair platforms to help you find a qualified repairer nearby.
How to Use It
- Keep your proof of purchase and any prior repair paperwork.
- Ask for the standardized EU Repair Form (quote, parts, timeline, price).
- If repair is refused without valid grounds, escalate via your national consumer authority.
What Changes for Products
Spare Parts and Documentation
Manufacturers must keep essential parts available for longer and publish repair information (manuals, diagnostics). Delivery times and availability windows should be reasonable and transparent.
Software Pairing and Locks
Software practices that block legitimate third-party or self-repairs are restricted. After a screen or battery swap, for example, the device should function without needing a brand-only activation that has no safety or security justification.
Related EU Rules That Also Hit Your Devices
- Common charger (USB-C): fewer proprietary cables and less e-waste.
- Smartphone/Tablet ecodesign & labels: repairability and durability information up-front.
- Batteries: a shift toward easier replacement over the coming product cycles.
Key Dates
- Transposition period: EU rules get written into national law.
- From 2026: Core consumer-facing measures start to apply for covered product groups.
- 2026–2027: More product types and repair obligations phase in as standards and guidance land.
Exact dates vary by product category and national implementation. Always check local guidance when booking a repair.
Gaps and Pitfalls
- Parts pricing: If parts are overpriced, repair loses to replacement.
- Delays: Long waits for spares or diagnostics can kill the benefit.
- Authorized-only policies: Undue restrictions can sideline independents.
- Waterproofing vs. repairability: Glued designs still complicate battery swaps.
- Which products are covered? The rules focus on common consumer electronics and household appliances; scope expands with product-specific measures.
- Is my repair free? Inside the legal warranty: often yes if the fault isn’t yours. After warranty: manufacturers must offer repair on fair, published terms.
- Can a brand refuse? Only on legitimate grounds (e.g., safety, unavailable parts). They should document the reason.
- Will repairs be cheaper? Transparency and competition should push prices down, but parts policy matters.
- How do I claim? Request the EU Repair Form, collect quotes, and compare against replacement value and warranty status.
Final Thoughts
Right to Repair only works if it’s usable: clear quotes, fair parts prices, and no artificial roadblocks. Done right, it saves money, cuts e-waste, and makes brands compete on durability—not disposability.