The right to repair movement continues to accelerate

• right to repair
• EU parliament

By Liam Taylor 15 August 2024

Earlier this year the European Union adopted right to repair legislation to address the issue of designed obsolescence, but what does it mean for the movement globally?

When the European Council and European Parliament agreed on a directive designed to promote the repair of broken or defective goods in April it was seen as a groundbreaking piece of legislation. Widely known as the Right-to-Repair (R2R) directive, it aims to transform consumer rights by making repair services more accessible, transparent, and attractive.

The directive officially took effect on July 30^th, cementing a core principle of the circular economy - extending the lifespan of products - into consumer law in the EU. The legislation also targets planned and premature obsolescence, a significant issue in today's consumer-driven world. Manufacturers must now provide clear, accessible information on the repairability and durability of their products, empowering consumers to make informed choices.

What was legislated?

Several measures have been introduced to encourage repairs and extend product life, including:

1. Consumer right to request repairs:

   Consumers can now demand that manufacturers repair products deemed technically repairable under EU law, such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and mobile phones.

2. European repair information form:

   Repairers must provide a standardised form detailing repair conditions, pricing, and timelines to consumers.

3. European Online Platform for Repair:

   A centralised online platform will connect consumers with repair services across borders, making repairs easier to access.

4. Extension of liability period:

   The liability period for product defects is extended by 12 months after repair, incentivising repairs over replacements.

While the European Parliament's approval of the directive marks significant progress, national governments still need to adopt it within the next two years. This gives affected businesses time to familiarise themselves with the new rules and prepare for compliance.

How will it impact business?

While businesses will undoubtedly need to adjust their policies and practices to adapt to the new legislation, there are also potential benefits to these businesses from doing so.

For example, manufacturers may need to redesign products for easier disassembly, repair, and durability. This could include adopting modular designs, standardizing parts, and developing diagnostic tools for assessing the health of a particular product. In the long run, this could ultimately bring down both manufacturing and repair costs.

It also benefits manufacturers and retailers to equip consumers with the knowledge needed to make small repairs at home. Providing detailed repair manuals, troubleshooting guides, and tool libraries—accessible both online and in-person—could significantly reduce repair costs for businesses.

What does it mean for the right to repair movement in Australia?

The legislation may serve as motivation for the right to repair movement in Australia, which has also been gaining pace recently. At the end of 2020, the Australian Productivity Commission announced it would be launching an inquiry into the right to repair, specifically focusing on individuals’ ability to repair faulty goods, or access repair services, at a competitive price.

The final report released by the Productivity Commission in October 2021 and recommended giving independent repairers greater access to repair supplies while increasing competition for repair services, while also increasing consumer rights to repair. Unfortunately, beyond a commitment in 2021 to mandate data sharing so that repairers could access diagnostic information, there has been limited movement since.

What has become increasingly clear in recent years is that consumers want the ability to repair the goods that they purchase. Today, over 52 per cent of Europeans express willingness to buy a refurbished smartphone in the future, and nearly 80 per cent agree that manufacturers should be required to make devices easier to repair.

The R2R directive represents not only a shift towards a circular economy but also a fundamental change in societal values, emphasising the importance of resource efficiency and responsible consumption. By empowering consumers with the right to repair, Europe is paving the way for a more sustainable future, where resource efficiency and environmental protection are aligned with economic growth.