EU Right to Repair: Spare Parts Manufacturers Must Provide by Law (2026)

One of the most powerful provisions in the EU Right to Repair Directive is its mandatory spare parts obligation. From July 31, 2026, manufacturers of covered products must make spare parts available, at reasonable prices, within reasonable timeframes, for the entire legal support period. This guide explains exactly what that means for consumers, what parts must be supplied, which products are covered, and how to enforce your rights if a manufacturer refuses.

What the Law Actually Requires

The EU Right to Repair Directive (Directive 2024/1799/EU) builds on top of the existing Ecodesign Regulation framework. Together, they create a two-layer spare parts obligation:

• Layer 1, Ecodesign Regulations (in force since 2021–2025): Product-specific rules that mandate minimum spare parts availability periods and define which parts must be stocked. These apply to specific categories like washing machines, TVs, smartphones, laptops.
• Layer 2, Right to Repair Directive (July 2026): A horizontal right to repair that supplements Ecodesign. Requires repair over replacement by default, and prohibits manufacturer practices that obstruct independent repair (including parts pairing and software locks on non-safety components).
• Combined effect: Manufacturers must supply parts AND cannot block independent repairers from using them via software restrictions, diagnostic tool monopolies, or contractual clauses.

Spare Parts Obligations by Product Category

The specific parts required and the duration of the obligation vary by product category. Here is a complete breakdown of current EU law:

Washing Machines & Washer-Dryers

Dishwashers

Refrigerators & Freezers

Televisions & Displays

Vacuum Cleaners

Smartphones

Laptops

Tablets

What 'Reasonable Price' Means

The obligation to supply parts at 'reasonable prices' is one of the most contested provisions. The EU Right to Repair Directive clarifies that pricing must not 'discourage repair compared to replacement of the product'. In practice, national enforcement authorities apply a proportionality test: if a replacement battery costs more than a significant fraction of a new device's price, that is a red flag for unreasonable pricing.

There is no fixed price cap in EU law. However, the European Commission has indicated in its guidance (2024) that 'reasonable' for a battery means broadly 20–35% of the device retail price for major parts. For minor parts (screws, seals, filters), pricing above €15–25 for consumable components is likely to attract enforcement attention.

What Manufacturers Are NOT Allowed to Do

The Right to Repair Directive explicitly prohibits a range of manufacturer practices designed to obstruct independent repair. These prohibitions apply from July 31, 2026:

• Parts pairing / software locks: Manufacturers cannot use software to prevent a non-original or third-party part from functioning after installation, unless the restriction is justified for safety reasons (e.g., battery management systems with genuine safety concerns).
• Artificially inflated parts prices: Pricing parts so high that repair is economically pointless compared to buying new violates the 'reasonable price' obligation.
• Refusing to supply parts to independent repairers: Manufacturers must sell to any EU-based professional repairer, not just their own service network.
• Requiring bundled services: A manufacturer cannot insist that you use their authorised repairer as a condition of selling parts.
• Delaying parts supply beyond legal limits: Failure to deliver within the specified working days (5 for electronics, 15 for appliances) is a breach.
• Voiding warranties for independent repair: Since the 2024 amendment to the Consumer Sales and Guarantees Directive, using an independent repairer does not void your EU statutory warranty, manufacturers cannot claim otherwise.

How to Get Spare Parts

There are three main routes to obtain legally required spare parts in the EU:

Route 1: Order Direct from the Manufacturer

Many major appliance brands run their own online spare parts portals. For appliances, brands like Bosch (bosch-home.com/parts), Miele, and Electrolux sell direct to consumers. For electronics, Apple operates its Self Repair programme in the EU, and Samsung sells key parts through its repair programme. Search '[Brand name] spare parts EU' to find the official portal.

Route 2: Through an Independent Repairer

Any EU-certified independent repairer can order genuine manufacturer parts for covered products. Use RepairScore's Repair Shops directory to find repairers near you, most will source parts on your behalf and quote a combined parts-plus-labour price. For products under warranty or with a recent fault, this route is often faster than ordering direct.

Route 3: Third-Party and Compatible Parts

EU law does not require you to use genuine manufacturer parts. Compatible (aftermarket) parts that meet equivalent quality standards are legally permitted. The EU Right to Repair Directive explicitly states that manufacturers cannot discriminate against compatible parts, their warranty obligations apply equally. Platforms like iFixit, Sparekassen, and local parts distributors offer aftermarket options, often at significantly lower prices.

What If a Manufacturer Refuses?

If a manufacturer refuses to supply legally required spare parts, or prices them so high as to make repair economically pointless, you have formal enforcement options:

1. Document the refusal or quote in writing, keep all email/chat records and screenshots of pricing.
2. Report to your national market surveillance authority, in most EU countries, this is the consumer protection agency or the national standards body. In France: DGCCRF. Germany: BfR / Bundesnetzagentur. Portugal: ASAE / DGConsumidor. Spain: AECOSAN.
3. File a complaint with your national consumer protection body, many have specific repair-rights complaint forms post-July 2026.
4. Use the EU ODR platform (ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr) for cross-border disputes if the manufacturer is based in a different EU country.
5. Small claims court, for parts valued under €5,000, the European Small Claims Procedure applies across all EU countries without requiring a lawyer.

How RepairScore Uses This Data

The 'Spare Parts Availability' component of RepairScore (20% of total score) reflects how well a manufacturer performs on parts supply beyond the legal minimum. We assess: whether key parts are available direct to consumers (not just professional repairers), typical delivery times based on manufacturer data and community reports, pricing relative to device cost, and whether the manufacturer publicly lists parts catalogues. Products from brands that exceed legal minimums, longer availability periods, lower pricing, direct-to-consumer sales, receive higher scores in this component.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does spare parts law apply to products bought before July 2026? The Ecodesign Regulations apply based on when the product was manufactured and placed on the market, not when you bought it. If your washing machine was produced after March 2021, the 10-year parts obligation already applies. The Right to Repair Directive applies from July 31, 2026, its provisions on parts pairing and software unlocking apply prospectively.
• Can a manufacturer charge extra for 'genuine' parts vs compatible ones? They can price genuine parts at market rates, but cannot use software or contractual terms to force you to choose genuine over compatible. Both options must be available.
• What if the manufacturer has gone out of business? There is no EU obligation on third parties to supply parts for a bankrupt manufacturer. This is a known gap in the Directive, some member states are considering national legislation to require a transition period or escrow of part designs.
• Do these rules apply to products bought outside the EU? No, the spare parts obligations only apply to products legally placed on the EU market by the manufacturer. Products imported personally from non-EU countries (including grey market imports) may not have the same legal protections, though a product with EU CE marking is generally on the EU market.
• Are accessory parts (cases, straps, chargers) covered? Generally no, spare parts obligations cover functional repair parts, not accessories. Charging cables that are permanently attached or essential for operation may be included, but replacement accessories are not.