On April 23, it became official. The European Parliament has now passed groundbreaking legislation that significantly changes the landscape for the lifespan and repairability of consumer products – the Right to Repair. This legislation is expected to strengthen the repair industry and reduce the amount of e-waste.
The EU has long sought to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability by extending the lifespan of consumer goods. With the new regulations, the aim is to curb unnecessary consumption and encourage more sustainable growth and innovation within the union.
Here’s what the Right to Repair entails:
Right to repair even after the warranty period: Manufacturers are now required to offer repairs at reasonable prices and within reasonable timeframes, even after the original warranty period has expired.
Increased access to spare parts and repair information: Consumers will have access to the spare parts and manuals necessary to repair products themselves or through third-party repairers, enhancing consumer empowerment and reducing dependence on manufacturers.
Economic incentives for choosing repair: Member states are encouraged to introduce various incentive measures, such as discounts and subsidies for repairs, to make repairing more economically advantageous than buying new.
Support via a new EU web portal: The new web portal will serve as a resource for consumers to easily find information about local repair shops, retailers of refurbished products, and platforms for selling defective items.
As a leading player in the reuse and resale of IT products, Inrego welcomes a stronger focus on sustainable consumption patterns and a market that favors repair over new purchases. These changes pave the way for a more sustainable IT market where product lifecycles are extended, and consumer choice is enhanced.
We look forward to continuing our contribution to sustainable development within the IT industry and to working together with consumers and other businesses to maximise the benefits of these new regulations.
