New European Union rules designed to make repairing household and electronic products easier have come into force, giving consumers greater rights while seeking to reduce the huge amount of waste generated when goods are discarded prematurely.
The new “right to repair” regulations are intended to encourage people to fix faulty products rather than replace them. The European Commission estimates that premature disposal of consumer goods generates about 35 million tonnes of waste across the EU each year.
The rules cover a range of products, including washing machines, vacuum cleaners, mobile phones and tablets.
Under the new system, consumers can ask manufacturers to repair products that are technically repairable under EU law, including when the seller’s legal guarantee period has expired.
Repairs must be provided free of charge or at a reasonable cost and completed within a reasonable period. The measures are designed to remove some of the financial and practical barriers that can discourage consumers from repairing damaged products.
Manufacturers will also be required to make information about repair services easily available and ensure that spare parts can be obtained at reasonable prices.
The changes are expected to benefit consumers by extending the useful life of products while also supporting businesses involved in repairs, maintenance and refurbishment.
Ireland is developing its existing RepairMyStuff.ie directory to serve as the country’s national repair platform. The service will help consumers find businesses and professionals offering repair services.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said the regulations would make repairing products a more practical option for consumers.
“These regulations will make it easier for consumers to choose repair over replacement,” Burke said, adding that the changes could create opportunities for Irish companies working in repair and refurbishment.
He said the Irish Government had sought to balance consumer protection and environmental objectives with the need to avoid unnecessary regulatory costs for businesses.
The new rules form part of wider EU efforts to reduce waste and encourage more sustainable consumption. By keeping products in use for longer, policymakers hope to reduce demand for new materials and lower the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposing of goods.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien said the measures would support efforts to meet climate targets by changing how products and materials are produced, used and valued.
The European Commission estimates that the new rules could generate €4.8 billion in growth and investment across the EU.
For consumers, the changes mean manufacturers will face greater responsibility for repairable products, while access to spare parts and repair information should become easier.
The measures are expected to gradually reshape the market by making repair a more attractive alternative to replacement and encouraging businesses to expand services that keep everyday products in use for longer.
