The Right to Repair Directive (Directive 2024/1799)

The Right to Repair Directive, formally Directive (EU) 2024/1799, establishes a comprehensive framework promoting the repair of goods, reducing waste, and strengthening consumer rights in the context of the circular economy. Adopted on 13 June 2024 and due for transposition by 31 July 2026, the Directive is part of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan. It introduces obligations on manufacturers to repair goods, harmonised information requirements for repair services, an online repair platform, and measures to encourage the availability of spare parts.

Repair Obligations for Manufacturers

The central obligation of the Directive is the requirement for manufacturers to repair goods that are technically repairable under EU law (Article 5). For goods listed in implementing acts — initially including washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, electronic displays, and welding equipment — manufacturers are obliged to repair products that are technically repairable at a reasonable price and within a reasonable timeframe. The obligation applies to goods purchased by consumers where the defect is not attributable to normal wear and tear, accident, or misuse. Manufacturers must inform consumers about the repair obligation at the point of sale and must provide a standardised European Repair Information Form (Article 4) setting out the nature of the defect, the estimated repair cost, the repair timeframe, the spare parts to be used, and the manufacturer’s repair service contact details.

The repair obligation is subject to exceptions. Manufacturers are not required to repair goods where repair is impossible (for example, where the product has been damaged beyond repair), where the cost of repair exceeds the purchase price of the product, or where the product type is no longer produced and the manufacturer has ceased all production. The Directive does not create a general obligation to stock spare parts for products no longer in production, though existing sectoral legislation continues to apply.

The Repair vs Replacement Balance

The Directive aims to make repair a more attractive option for consumers compared to replacement. Where a manufacturer is obliged to repair, the consumer may choose between repair and replacement. The Directive provides that where the cost of repair is equal to or lower than the cost of replacement, the consumer may request repair. Where repair is more expensive, the manufacturer may offer replacement instead, but the consumer retains the right to choose repair if willing to bear the additional cost.

The Directive requires Member States to ensure that the guarantee period for the repaired product is extended by 12 months from the date the product is returned to the consumer after repair. This extension applies to the original guarantee under the Sale of Goods Directive (Directive 2019/771), which provides for a minimum two-year guarantee period. The extension encourages consumers to choose repair over replacement by providing additional warranty protection.

Online Repair Platform

The Directive requires the Commission to establish a European online repair platform (Article 7) accessible through the Single Digital Gateway. The platform serves as a matchmaking tool connecting consumers seeking repair services with repairers in their area. The platform must include: a searchable database of repairers, refurbishers, and sellers of refurbished goods; information on the types of goods repaired and typical repair costs and timeframes; information on consumer rights relating to repair, including the legal guarantee and the repair obligation; and a link to national contact points for consumer advice.

The platform must be free of charge for consumers. Repairers listed on the platform must provide accurate information about their services and must agree to comply with minimum quality standards, including using genuine spare parts where available and providing a warranty on repair work of at least six months.

Spare Parts Availability

The Directive reinforces existing obligations on spare parts availability under EU ecodesign legislation. Manufacturers of products covered by ecodesign implementing measures must make spare parts available to professional repairers and end-users for a specified period after the last unit of a model is placed on the market — typically seven to ten years for major appliances. Spare parts must be supplied within 15 working days at a reasonable price that does not discourage repair.

The Directive prohibits contractual clauses, hardware designs, or software techniques that impede the repair of goods. Manufacturers may not use contractual terms or technical measures that prevent or obstruct independent repairers from accessing the information, spare parts, or tools necessary for repair. Software updates must not reduce the performance or repairability of goods. The prohibition addresses practices such as “parts pairing” — where software locks a product’s functionality if non-genuine parts are used — and other digital restrictions on repair.

Harmonised Information

The European Repair Information Form (Annex II to the Directive) standardises the information provided to consumers about repair services. The form must include: the name and contact details of the repairer; the nature of the defect identified; the estimated cost of repair, broken down into inspection fees, labour costs, spare parts costs, and any additional charges; the expected timeframe for completion; details of any warranty offered on the repair; and information about the consumer’s right to withdraw from the repair contract within 14 days. The form must be provided free of charge before the consumer is bound by any repair contract.

Enforcement and Penalties

Member States must designate competent authorities responsible for enforcing the Directive and must establish effective, proportionate, and dissuasive penalties. Penalties must take into account the nature, gravity, and duration of the infringement, and may include fines calculated as a percentage of annual turnover. National consumer protection organisations and public interest entities may bring actions to enforce consumer rights under the Directive.