Il consumer electronics and household appliances sector has long been characterized by a trend towards planned obsolescence, with a limited product life cycle and an increasing difficulty in finding spare parts or accessing repair services at reasonable prices. Now, with theentry into force of EU Directive 2024/1799, starting from 30 July 2024, a new era opens for European consumers. This directive, which must be transposed by Member States by 2026, introduces the right to repair, with the aim of facilitating and making the repair of defective or worn products more accessible, even after the legal guarantee has expired.
Right to repair: the objective of the directive
EU Directive 2024/1799 aims to combat the phenomenon of planned obsolescence, reduce e-waste and promote a circular economy. Every year, around 12 billion euros are spent on replacing products that could be repaired, generating around 36 million tonnes of waste. The aim of the directive is to reduce this waste by ensuring that consumers can access repairs at reasonable prices and quickly, with a positive impact on the environment and the economy.
What will change for consumers
The directive introduces several new features for consumers. First, manufacturers will be obliged to repair technically repairable products even after the two-year legal guarantee has expired, at a price defined as "reasonable": a radical change compared to the past, where repairs were often refused for economic reasons or the unavailability of spare parts.
Another fundamental aspect of the directive is theobligation for manufacturers to provide detailed information on repair costs and times. Consumers will receive an information form specifying the conditions of the repair, making the process more transparent and allowing them to make informed decisions. Additionally, a European online platform will be live by July 31, 2027, allowing consumers to easily find repairers and sellers of refurbished goods.
Another new element concerns theextension of the guarantee. If a product is repaired during the legal warranty period, the warranty will be extended by one year. This incentivizes consumers to opt for repair rather than replacement, knowing that the product will have additional coverage in the event of further defects.
Which products can be repaired and which will be excluded
The directive applies mainly to one series of everyday products, including washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, electronic displays, phones and tablets, vacuum cleaners, and refrigeration appliances. However, the list could be expanded in the future to include other electronic devices and household appliances, in response to market needs and consumer demands.
Some products, such as printers, stereo headphones, laptops, irons, toasters and coffee makers, are currently not included in the directive. However, organizations such as Right to Repair Europe are pushing for these products to be included in future revisions of the legislation. This exclusion represents one of the limitations of the directive, raising criticism from consumer associations and activists.
The criticisms and limits of the directive
One of the main criticisms of the directive concerns theabsence of a maximum limit for costs of repairs and spare parts. Although the directive talks about “reasonable” costs, does not specify clear criteria for determining what is reasonable, leaving room for interpretation by manufacturers and repairers. This could limit the effectiveness of the legislation, especially in contexts where repair prices are particularly high.
Another critical point concerns theaccess to spare parts and the tools needed to carry out repairs. The directive, while moving towards ensuring access to these elements, does not completely eliminate existing barriers. In particular, the text remains ambiguous on the obligation for manufacturers to supply spare parts to independent repairers, an issue that will be crucial to clarify during the transposition process in individual Member States.
Industry experts and consumer associations then underlined the need for tax incentives to encourage the adoption of the new rules. In countries such as Austria and France, bonuses of up to 50% of the repair cost have already been introduced, a model that could be replicated in Italy to encourage consumers to opt for repair rather than replacement.
Opportunities are opening up in the market
The retail sector, and in particular companies that operate in the sale of household appliances, sees the directive as angrowth opportunities. Becoming a service center as well as a salesperson could offer a significant competitive advantage. According to Davide Rossi, general director of Aires (Italian Association of specialized household appliance retailers), “retail companies look at the directive as a further development of their business, to become assistance centers and not just sellers. If the repair market opens up, the economy, the environment and jobs, spread evenly across the territories, will benefit”.
Small independent repairers are also hoping to take advantage of the new legislation. However, concerns remain regarding the possibility of operating under the same conditions as authorized repairers, in particular regarding access to spare parts and technical information. Marco Granelli, president of Confartigianato, for example, underlined the importance of ensure equal conditions for all operators in the sector, an aspect that will be crucial during the transposition of the directive.
When will the directive be transposed
The member states of the European Union have 24 months to transpose Directive 2024/1799, having a deadline set for 30 July 2026. During this period, each country will have to take the necessary measures to ensure the implementation of the new rules at national level. In Italy, the transposition process will be crucial to determine the effectiveness of the directive, with particular attention to fiscal aspects and access to spare parts.
The full implementation of this directive could have a significant impact on the environment, reducing the amount of electronic waste and promoting a more sustainable use of resources.
