A new regulation for consumers
Appliances tend to deteriorate over time, and their replacement involves additional expenses. However, the European Parliament has approved the ‘right to repair’, a measure that allows consumers to repair their damaged devices, thus avoiding the need to replace them with new ones. This regulation, although it will not yet be immediately implemented in Spain, aims to give citizens the possibility to maintain their household appliances and oblige companies to provide the necessary tools for repairs.
Scope of the ‘right to repair’
This new measure affects a wide range of devices, including household appliances such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators and vacuum cleaners, as well as digital devices such as electronic screens, mobile phones, cordless phones, televisions and tablets. It also includes data storage servers, battery products for light vehicles and welding equipment. In addition, manufacturers will be required to extend the warranty on repaired products by an additional year.
Obligations of manufacturers
According to the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU), manufacturers will be obliged to repair products for free or at a reasonable price. In addition, they must provide information on repair prices and offer new parts at a reduced cost. They cannot refuse to repair devices that have been previously handled by other technicians or companies. During the repair time, consumers will be entitled to a replacement product, and a European platform will be created to find repairers in the area and contact workshops. Repair companies will also be able to offer a European form with detailed information on repairs and associated costs.
Petitions of the OCU
The OCU shares this new regulation, but also requests that it be extended to other products and that repairs be reviewed to ensure that consumers are not harmed. In addition, the usefulness of the European form is questioned, raising the need for an improvement in this aspect (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/).
