Implications and expected effect of the EU Directive on the repair of goods

In June 2024, the European Union adopted the Right to Repair Directive (R2RD), a key instrument designed to promote sustainable consumption by encouraging the repair and reuse of goods, both during and beyond the legal warranty period. This directive directly supports the EU’s green transition agenda, particularly under the European Green Deal. Although the R2RD already entered into force on 30 July 2024, Member States are required to transpose its provisions into national laws and begin enforcement by 31 July 2026.

The R2RD is part of a broader legislative effort aimed at extending the lifespan of consumer products, helping to curb the premature disposal of repairable goods. One of its standout features is the obligation to repair, which mandates that manufacturers of certain products (such as refrigerators and smartphones, as listed in Annex II of the directive) comply with EU reparability requirements. This means they must offer repairs within a reasonable time and at a reasonable cost. A key benefit for consumers is the extension of the legal guarantee by an additional year if they opt to repair their product rather than replace it. To further empower consumers, the European Commission will develop the European Repair Platform, an online resource where consumers can easily find authorized repair services. The platform is expected to be operational by 2027, with Member States overseeing the registration of local repair service providers.

The R2RD establishes a clear “right to repair” for consumers, even after the legal warranty expires. For products that are technically repairable (such as tablets, smartphones, washing machines and dishwashers), consumers will have the right to request easier and more affordable repairs once the warranty period is over.

The directive will significantly impact manufacturers, particularly in the consumer electronics and household appliance sectors, as it opens up the aftersales market to increased competition. Independent repair services may offer repairs at lower costs, and the availability of affordable refurbished products will likely rise. Although the R2RD initially applies to a limited range of products, it signals a shift that could challenge manufacturers’ control over aftersales services and repair markets. The directive also applies to products imported into the EU/EEA, requiring manufacturers from third countries to appoint an authorized representative in the EU. In the absence of such a representative, responsibility for compliance falls to importers or distributors. To ensure adherence to the directive, Member States are expected to impose penalties for non-compliance, which should be effective, proportionate, and dissuasive.

Member States must integrate the R2RD’s requirements into their national laws by mid-2026. They may introduce additional obligations, provided these do not conflict with the directive’s core provisions. Overall, the R2RD is set to reshape the repair landscape in Europe, pushing toward a more circular economy while giving consumers greater control over the lifespan of their products.