The EU Right to Repair Directive: What It Means for You

The EU Right to Repair Directive (Directive 2024/1799) was formally adopted in June 2024. Member states have until July 31, 2026 to transpose it into national law. After that date, manufacturers selling products in the EU face binding obligations, not voluntary commitments, to support repairability.

What Products Are Covered?

The initial scope covers products already under EU Ecodesign regulations. As of 2026, this includes:

• Washing machines and washer-dryers
• Dishwashers
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Displays and televisions
• Welding equipment
• Vacuum cleaners
• Smartphones (via separate Ecodesign implementing regulation)
• Tablets and laptops (phased in from 2027)

What Manufacturers Must Do

• Make spare parts available for a minimum period (5–10 years depending on category)
• Provide repair information and manuals, free of charge
• Sell spare parts and tools at reasonable, non-discriminatory prices
• Not use software or hardware locks to block independent repair
• Offer a European Repair Information Form on request (standardised repair pricing)
• Not design products to prevent repair without justification

What Changes for Consumers?

• You get a 12-month extended warranty on anything repaired after July 2026
• Repair cost estimates become standardised (European Repair Information Form)
• EU member states must set up online repair matching platforms
• Refurbished products get a minimum 12-month guarantee
• You can choose repair over replacement when a product fails under guarantee

What It Doesn't Cover (Yet)

• Clothing, furniture, and fast fashion, outside scope
• Tablets and laptops are phased in from 2027, not July 2026
• The Directive doesn't set maximum repair prices, only that prices be 'reasonable'
• It doesn't guarantee that independent repairers can access all manufacturer-level diagnostics on day one

What Should You Do Right Now?

Three practical actions to take before the July 2026 deadline:

1. Check the RepairScore of any product you're considering buying. Low scores will improve after July 2026, but if you need it now, that doesn't help.
2. If a product you own is broken, wait (if possible). After July 2026, parts may be legally easier to obtain and repair may be cheaper.
3. Register for our launch notification list, we'll alert you the moment the Directive is in full effect and what it means for your specific products.