The European Parliament has adopted its position on a stronger “right to repair” for consumers, the proposal aims to encourage more sustainable consumption.
With the legal guarantee period proposed, sellers would be required to prioritise repair if it is cheaper or equal in cost to replacing an appliance, for example.
A spokesperson for the Parliament said: “People want to expand the lifespan of their devices, but it is often too costly or difficult. We adopted a series of measures to encourage consumers to choose repair over replacement, with a special focus on supporting independent repairers and establishing financial incentives.
“We expect Council to adopt their position soon, so we can begin negotiations to transform these measures into law and pave the way for a truly circular European economy.”
Currys has recently reported that a third of Brits prefer refurbished tech, which you can find out about more in the latest edition of ERT magazine.
The UK already has its own version of a “right to repair” law, which involves manufacturers having to make repair information and spare parts available for repairs for up to ten years for certain white goods and televisions.
Manufacturers of washing machines, washer-dryers, dishwashers, fridges and televisions are required to provide consumers with spare parts for “simple and safe” repairs, such as fitting a new drain filter or replacing a tray in a fridge freezer.
A criticism of the law highlights that there is no cap on how much manufacturers can charge for spare parts. The law also only applies to appliances brought on or after 1 July 2021 and it doesn’t cover smartphones, laptops, cookers, microwaves, hobs or tumble dryers.
