EU Parliament ratifies Right to Repair Directive

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted in favour of the Right to Repair Directive on Tuesday (23 April), aimed at improving consumer access to repair services in order to reduce waste.

The directive, introduced by the Commission last March (2023), looks to support the Green Deal by making repairs a more appealing option for consumers than compared to buying a replacement. It also streamlines repairs, outlines manufacturer obligations, and sets up an online platform that helps locate repair shops and refurbished goods sellers.

On Tuesday, MEPs overwhelmingly voted in favour of an amendment of the directive at this Parliament’s last plenary session in Strasbourg. The directive and the amendment enhance consumer access to repair services, clarify member states’ regulatory power and mandate that repairers disclose crucial information before repair contracts.

“The new legislation extends legal guarantees by 12 months when opting for repair, and gives better access to spare parts,” said MEP René Repasi (S&D), who spearheaded the file.

At a parliamentary debate on Monday, most lawmakers praised the law. Some urged expanding its scope and addressing intellectual property rights concerns to enhance its effectiveness.

The directive outlines an obligation to repair even outside warranty, Swappie, a company that refurbishes and sells pre-owned iPhones at a lower price than new ones, told Euractiv.

This creates “more opportunity to seek repair for cases that are not covered by a warranty” such as a cracked screen, but “clearly anticipates that consumers should be able to choose to go to any repair provider, regardless of whether they are affiliated with the original producer,” said Swappie.

The company added that this action is seen as pivotal in fostering fair competition among repair providers and bolstering consumer confidence in independent repair services.

Tech companies, and Apple in particular, have often drawn criticism for their repair policies, which reportedly make it difficult for independent repairers to compete in the market.

Last Thursday, Apple announced it will allow customers and repair providers to use used Apple parts for selected iPhone models starting in the autumn.

Once the directive is approved by the Council of the EU and is published in the EU Official Journal, member states will have 24 months to transpose it into national legislation.

[Edited by Eliza Gkritsi/Rajnish Singh]