Repair instead of buy, even after the warranty has expired. That is the purpose of the regulations. From now on, sellers are required to prioritize repairs if they are cheaper or equally expensive than replacing an item.
He European parliament was approved on Tuesday with 584 votes in favour, 3 against and 14 abstentions, to strengthen the vote Consumers’ ‘right to repair’. The measures clarify the oobligations of manufacturers repair goods and encourages consumers to do so extend the life cycle of products through repair.
The new regulations ensure that manufacturers provide ‘timely and cost-effective repair services’ and ‘inform consumers of their right to repair’. In addition to the Guarantee legally of the repaired goods can be extended by one year more thanks to the quality guarantee, which will further encourage consumers to opt for repair instead of replacement.
As the European Parliament reports, once the legal warranty expires, the manufacturer will “remain obliged to repair ordinary, technically repairable household products such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners and even smartphones.” Consumers can also borrow a device while it is being repaired, or alternatively opt for a refurbished device if repair is not possible.
The regulations have aim to strengthen the repair market in the EU and reduce repair costs for consumers. Manufacturers will have to make spare parts and tools available to them at a reasonable price and they will be prohibited from resorting to contractual and technical clauses relating to equipment or computer programs that prevent the repair of goods.
Once the directive is formally adopted by the Council and published in the Official Journal of the EU, Member States will have 24 months to transpose it into national law.
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
