The EU wants to give consumers the right to have worn-out products like washing machines and TVs repaired by manufacturers even after their warranty expires, to reduce wastage and extend the life of the goods.
The European Commission proposed rules on Wednesday that would force producers to offer repairs to a product for five to ten years after it is sold – regardless of whether the legal guarantee is still valid.
The rules will apply to fridges, vacuum cleaners, televisions, washing machines and other goods considered “repairable” under EU law. The EU is negotiating rules that would extend the requirement to smartphones and tablets.
European consumers and businesses routinely throw away goods that could have been repaired, piling up garbage and throwing away parts that could be recovered and reused.
A 2020 survey by Germany’s environmental agency found that “first-use” lifespans for products including televisions and large household appliances had decreased in recent years.
The study found that some products were not designed to be easily repaired, while for others it was cheaper to buy a new product than repair an older one. In many cases, consumers replaced still-working items because they wanted a newer version.
Under EU rules, companies must repair a defective product for free within the two-year legal guarantee period if the cost of repair is equivalent or cheaper than replacing the product.
After that date, companies must still offer repairs, either free or for a fee. The EU also wants to launch an online service to help consumers find local repairers and thinks competition with other repairers will curb costs.
European consumer organization BEUC welcomed the proposal, but said it would be more logical to extend the legal guarantee period for long-lasting products such as fridges.
The EU is negotiating some policies designed to motivate companies to make more sustainable products and to give consumers clearer information about the environmental impact of their consumption.
A second law, proposed by Brussels on Wednesday, would force companies to verify claims that their products are “green” or “eco-friendly.”
EU countries and the European Parliament must negotiate and approve both laws, a process that typically takes more than a year.
© Thomson Reuters 2023
