Since 30 July 2024, fresh rules have been in force throughout the European Union, including Poland, to support consumers in repairing broken equipment. The fresh EU Directive on the right to repair introduces a number of crucial changes to make repairs more cost-effective and accessible.
Main objectives of the Directive
The Directive on the right to repair was created with 2 main objectives in mind. Firstly, it aims to encourage consumers to repair broken equipment alternatively of replacing them with fresh ones. Secondly, it imposes circumstantial obligations on producers to facilitate the recovery process and make it more accessible and cost-effective.
Obligations of manufacturers
One of the key elements of the fresh directive is the work for manufacturers to make spare parts available to their equipment, both authorized and unauthorized services. In the past, repairs were frequently unprofitable due to the deficiency of access to any components or the construction of equipment that made them hard to repair. The fresh government aims to change this situation, which should aid to extend the life of equipment and reduce the amount of electronic waste.
Internet Platform and Repair Services
Under the fresh regulations, an online platform will be launched to supply information about available repair services and spare parts needed to repair various types of equipment. This platform is intended to make it easier for consumers to find adequate repair services and parts, which will reduce the time and cost of repairing equipment.
Costs and Time of Repair
One of the main objectives of the Directive is to guarantee that repairs are offered at reasonable prices and implemented as shortly as possible. This aims to make repairs more profitable than replacing equipment with fresh ones. Moreover, consumers will be able to extend the warranty for fixed equipment by 1 year, which further increases the attractiveness of repair as an alternate to the acquisition of fresh equipment.
Implementation of the Directive in the associate States
Although the Directive on the right to repair entered into force on 30 July 2024, it will not automatically apply in all associate States of the European Union. Each country has until 31 July 2026 to implement fresh rules into its national law. This means that there may be any differences in the time and way these regulations are implemented in individual EU countries.
Benefits for Consumers
The fresh government brings a number of benefits to consumers. First of all, the availability of spare parts and repair services should improve significantly, making repairs more accessible and cost-effective. In addition, extending the warranty to fixed equipment increases consumer safety and gives them greater assurance in the durability of repaired equipment.
The introduction of the Right to Recovery Directive is simply a step towards a more sustainable economy and the environment. Thanks to the fresh rules, consumers will be able to repair their equipment more easy and cheaper, which will reduce the amount of electronic waste and better usage of resources. Although full implementation can take respective years, affirmative changes can already be expected, which will make repairs more accessible and cost-effective for all residents of the European Union.
Continued here:
The equipment will be repairable. The Union has introduced a fresh law since 1 August
