The European Directive on the reparaibility of products

The new EU Directive No. 2024/1799 on the repairability of certain consumer products aims to promote sustainable consumption, reduce waste, and extend products' lifecycle by making repair services more accessible and affordable for consumers. The key aspects of the Directive are outlined below:

1. New Obligations for product manufacturers : The Directive requires manufacturers to repair their products sold on the EU market at the consumer's request. This repair obligation includes providing essential spare parts, tools, and information to facilitate repairs, not only by the manufacturer but also by third-party repairers. If the manufacturer is based outside the EU, the responsibility falls on its authorized representative or, in the absence of one, on the importer or distributor, as applicable.
2. Covered Products: The Directive applies only to consumer products subject to specific repairability requirements defined by EU legislation, listed in Annex II (e.g., household washing machines, refrigerators, electronic display devices, vacuum cleaners, mobile phones, etc.). Products not covered by specific EU repairability laws are exempt from the Directive's repair obligations. However, manufacturers, distributors, or importers may choose to offer repair services voluntarily.
3. Excluded Products : The Directive does not apply to products whose defects are covered by Directive 2019/771, which obliges sellers to ensure the conformity of goods for two years after purchase. Additionally, the Directive does not apply where repairs are impossible.
4. European Repair Form and Online Repair Platform: The Directive introduces a new standardized European Repair Information Form, which can be provided by manufacturers, and establishes an EU Online Repair Platform. This platform will help consumers easily find repair providers, compare offers, and request standardized repair information forms from service providers.
5. Extension of Warranty of the seller for repaired goods: The Directive amends existing consumer laws by extending the liability period for repaired goods by an additional 12 months when repairs are chosen within the seller’s responsibility framework.
6. Total Harmonization : Directive 2024/1799 is a total harmonization directive, meaning it establishes uniform rules across all EU Member States, preventing them from maintaining or introducing national laws that differ from the Directive. Article 3 clearly states: "Member States shall not maintain or introduce in their national law provisions diverging from those laid down in this Directive."
7. Member States must transpose the Directive by July 31, 2026.

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