The EU's Right to Repair Directive, which was adopted two years ago, became effective as of 31 July. Manufacturers will now be required to repair certain household and electronic products and to provide the information and spare parts needed to repair them. 

The obligation to repair products – where technically possible – covers washing machines, tumble dryers, washer-dryers, dishwashers, fridges, electronic displays, welding equipment, vacuum cleaners, servers and data storage products, mobile phones, cordless phones and slate tablets, and light means of transport using batteries for traction.  

The new rules will:  

• require manufacturers to repair products that are technically repairable, for free or at a reasonable price, and within a reasonable timeframe,
• extend by at least 12 months the legal guarantee of the product, when the consumer chooses to repair a product rather than replace it within the liability period,
• require manufacturers to provide easily accessible information about repair services, along with access to spare parts at a reasonable price.

A new online European repair platform should become operational in 2027, enabling consumers to find suitable repairers. There is no obligation to have the product repaired by the manufacturer.