New rights for consumers: longer-lasting products with easier repairs

As of 31 July 2026, consumers will be able to use their phones, tablets, washing machines, or dishwashers longer thanks to easier repairs.  

Phones, tablets, dishwashers, washing machines, or vacuum cleaners can have a limited lifespan and break after a few years. Some of their components like batteries wear out, deteriorating products’ use. Most consumers tend to replace them once their use is impaired. This is due to various barriers like high prices, unavailable spare parts, or inconvenient repair services once their product's guarantee expires.  

From 31 July, these products will enjoy a second life with easier repair rules across the European Union. Consumers can now save money by fixing their own products instead of replacing them. It promotes a culture of sustainability and gives consumers the autonomy to maintain their products, thereby challenging the throwaway culture perpetuated by premature obsolescence.

Which new rights do I get as a consumer?

If your product is still under the two-year default legal guarantee and you choose to repair it rather than to replace it, you will benefit from a 12-month guarantee extension.    

After the seller’s two-year liability period ends, consumers will now be able to request repairs directly from the manufacturer. Even though you may have to pay for it, you should, in theory, expect a reasonable price and time of repair. You may also choose to go to independent repairers without losing your rights. Manufacturers cannot refuse to repair your product because someone else repaired it before. Manufacturers will not be able to use contractual terms, hardware or software restrictions to block repairs. That means that independent repairers will be able to use original, second‑hand, compatible, or 3D‑printed spare parts.

Which products will manufacturers have to repair?  

The new repair rules cover washing machines, washer-dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, electronic displays, welding equipment, vacuum cleaners, phones, tablets, mobile phones, or servers. Policymakers may choose to extend this list over time.

How can I access repair information?  

Consumers will have access to more transparent and comparable repair information through a standardised EU repair information form that repairers may provide free of charge. It will include a repair price estimate, repair conditions, the time the repair will take, and the availability of spare parts. This will serve as a quote for consumers who will have the guarantee that repairers will respect all conditions in the form for at least 30 days.  

The European Commission will also create a union-wide platform to help consumers find their nearest repairers. Countries will decide whether to be a part of this platform or create a national version instead. This should be fully operational by early 2028.  

How will it work in practice?  

Enforcement must be strong to ensure that consumers fully enjoy these new rights. The EU and its Member States must ensure that repair services do not cluster in certain areas or that prices remain affordable for consumers. The reverse would push them to still choose replacement, especially if repairs are slow or hard to use. The EU must also make sure that durable products are affordable for less affluent households to avoid pushing them towards less repairable products.  

Consumer organisations will monitor how countries roll out these new rights so that consumers remain protected and can benefit from these rules.

Is there evidence of practical benefits from EU repair rules?

BEUC and national consumer organisations carried out a market check in early 2026 looking at how easy it is for consumers to repair a smartphone, for which repairability requirements exist through Ecodesign rules. We found that not only do smartphones enjoy better access to both spare parts and repair instructions but also that repair instructions are generally comprehensive and enable consumers and professionals to carry out most repairs.  

Compared to other products without the same set of rules (i.e., vacuum cleaners), spare parts may not be as available and instructions not as comprehensive, which should change with the entry into application of the new rules.