New European Right to Repair Law Expands Appliance Repairability
A new European right to repair law has come into effect, mandating that manufacturers offer repair services and reasonably priced parts for a range of appliances. This law applies to products such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and smartphones, among others. The legislation aims to extend the lifespan of these products by requiring manufacturers to prioritize repairs over replacements during the warranty period and to provide repair services at reasonable costs outside of warranty. However, some popular products like toasters and coffee machines are not yet covered by the law. The directive also prohibits serialization practices that complicate component replacement.