consumers should be used in devices such as washing machines, refrigerators and smartphones in the future Right to repair have. The Federal Cabinet passed a draft law that would require manufacturers to repair certain products “for several years at a reasonable price.”
“This strengthens consumers – and leads to more sustainability,” said the Federal Consumer Protection Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD). “Instead of a throwaway culture, we need a new culture of repair.”
According to the ministry, the law should apply to all products for which manufacturers already have to keep spare parts in stock for a certain period of time under the current legal situation. This includes cell phones and tablets, refrigerators and dryers. The right to repair should apply for washing machines and tumble dryers for at least ten years, and for smartphones for at least seven years. This applies from the moment “production of the model was stopped”. In addition, companies should be obliged to to offer the repair at a “reasonable price”..
Warranty rights should be extended
The proposed changes are seen as a step towards implementing an EU directive to encourage the repair of goods. So far have consumer
a two-year warranty if purchased goods have a defect, apart from any guarantees offered by the manufacturer. “With the new right to repair, we want to make it easier for consumers to decide on a repair,” said Hubig.
In addition, the warranty will be extended from two to three years if consumers decide to have a product repaired instead of replacing it. In addition, the devices must be designed in such a way that they can be repaired. Spare parts must also be offered by the manufacturer at reasonable prices “that do not discourage repairs,” according to the draft.