European Parliament Boosts 'Right to Repair' Directive to Curb Waste
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- Published: Friday, 26 April 2024 12:17
The European Parliament has taken a significant step towards promoting sustainability and curbing waste with the passage of a directive aimed at enhancing the 'right to repair'. The directive, backed by an overwhelming majority of 584 votes in favor, 3 against, and 14 abstentions, seeks to make repairs easier, more cost-effective, and appealing to consumers while bolstering the repair sector.
Central to the directive are provisions mandating manufacturers to provide timely and affordable repair services and to inform consumers about their right to repair. Moreover, products repaired under warranty will now benefit from an additional year of legal guarantee, incentivizing repair over replacement.
In a bid to further facilitate repairs, the range of products covered by the directive may expand over time. Consumers will also have the option to use loaner devices or opt for refurbished units if repairs are not feasible. To streamline the repair process, the EU Parliament announced the establishment of a European online platform connecting consumers with local repair shops, sellers of refurbished goods, and community-led initiatives like repair cafes. Additionally, a standardized information form will be provided to help consumers evaluate repair services, detailing the defect, repair costs, and expected duration.
The legislation aims to strengthen the EU repair market by reducing repair costs and prohibiting manufacturers from employing tactics that hinder repairs. Member states are tasked with promoting affordable repair options, potentially through the issuance of repair vouchers, funding initiatives, informational campaigns, and support for community-led repair spaces.
Formal approval by the Council and publication in the EU Official Journal are the next steps, following which member states will have 24 months to implement the directive into national law. This legislative move not only addresses the staggering yearly loss of approximately €12 billion ($12.87 billion) due to premature disposal of goods but is also expected to generate around €4.8 billion ($5.15 billion) in growth and investment within the EU. Moreover, it complements other EU initiatives aimed at Ecodesign and empowering consumers for a green transition.