Appliances and more: from today, the right to repair applies across EU countries

Speaking specifically of the cost and economic value of repairing a faulty product, the directive specifies that this must be carried out either free of charge or at a proportionate price within a reasonable timeframe. Furthermore, as an additional safeguard, the consumer must be offered a replacement product for the duration of the repair work. This product must be returned once the work is complete.

Should the customer give the go-ahead to proceed, the repairer will be required to comply with the signed agreement: otherwise, the aggrieved party may avail themselves of all available remedies, ranging from termination for breach of contract to compensation for damages.

Finally, if the manufacturer responsible for the repair is based outside the EU, the obligation falls to the authorised representative within the European Union or the importer of the goods. If there is no importer, the distributor takes over.

Should things not go smoothly and, despite attempting to use spare parts (which, under the directive, manufacturers must make available at affordable prices, with a view to minimising the need for new parts as much as possible and combating planned obsolescence), the manufacturer were to confirm that the item cannot be repaired, there are three options: on the one hand, you have the right not to proceed with the repair; on the other hand, however, you may propose to the consumer the refurbished option. As a final alternative, they may choose to have the work carried out by a third party.

Another significant change concerns the warranty. If a washing machine, fridge or toaster is still covered by the warranty and the consumer opts for repair rather than replacement (a right that remains sacrosanct and in force), the directive allows for an extension of a further twelve months from the date of repair.

European legislation also covers design. This means new obligations for companies: they will have to place household appliances or technology on the market ‘environmentally friendly’, easily repairable and recyclable. This is also intended to curb the overproduction of waste that is difficult to dispose of.

The text then goes on to discuss the launch of a European online platform for repairs, which aims to facilitate contact between service providers and customers. Repairers, sellers of refurbished goods and buyers of faulty goods seeking refurbishment will be able to register on the platform. Not only that: this range of options is further complemented by participatory repair initiatives (Repair Café), as well as those promoted by non-profit organisations, where people offer their skills to repair items such as computers, bicycles, phones and clothes.

By 31 July 2027, the European Commission must develop the platform, for which it will also be directly responsible for maintenance. The service will be free for the public to use, and the portal will be managed by the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, which has been designated as the point of contact responsible, amongst other tasks, for providing access to the section, monitoring data and removing invalid information.

Last but not least, the measures implemented to protect the public . Article 127-novies of the Directive stipulates that the websites of the Mimit, the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, the AGCM and the tuttoconsumatori.it of the National Council of Consumers and Users must feature dedicated sections setting out consumers’ rights and a link to the national section of the EU platform.

As regards, however, penalties – with the exception of cases where a criminal offence has been committed – the manufacturer, the authorised representative, the importer, the distributor or the repairer who breaches the prescribed obligations shall be liable to an administrative fine, for each breach, of between 5,000 and 50,000 euros, taking into account the seriousness, duration of the breach and the economic and financial circumstances of the offender. In the event of serious offences or repeat offences, the maximum fines will be doubled. The AGCM will be responsible for investigating such breaches.

To assist stakeholders in implementing the directive, a ‘National Repair Observatory’ will also be set up. This will be a useful tool for monitoring compliance with the legislation: it will gather feedback on issues encountered by the public and businesses and help to promote of good practices in the field of repair can certainly help ensure that behaviour complies with the law. The Observatory will be tasked with raising awareness of the goods repair sector, monitoring trends and facilitating coordination between social and institutional stakeholders in monitoring the effects of the transposition.

In line with the provisions of the directive and as part of its efforts to protect consumer rights, the EU is introducing a new measure to enhance transparency regarding guarantees for consumer goods.

 From 27 September, sellers will be required to display a ‘harmonised notice’ in a clearly visible manner to inform the public of their rights under the statutory guarantee: this may be displayed in-store or published online on the seller’s website.

As for manufacturers, however, they will be able to offer a voluntary commercial durability guarantee, at no extra cost, via a ‘harmonised European Garan label’.

Both measures are designed to promote dialogue between businesses and consumers, by improving the provision of information and curbing unfair practices.