Czech Chamber of Deputies approves consumer protection and right to repair laws

The Czech Chamber of Deputies has approved two legislative measures aimed at enhancing consumer protection and implementing EU directives. One amendment targets greenwashing by prohibiting companies from presenting products as environmentally friendly without sufficient evidence. It also bans the intentional limitation of product lifespans through software or hardware tampering.

The second measure establishes the ‘right to repair,’ requiring manufacturers of certain goods, such as mobile phones and household appliances, to facilitate repairs even after the standard warranty period has expired. Under these rules, manufacturers cannot refuse a repair simply because it was previously performed by another party. Repairs may be provided free of charge or at a reasonable cost within a reasonable timeframe.

To prevent economic hardship for Czech companies, the Chamber added a transitional provision allowing products already on the market to remain compliant for two years. While some lawmakers expressed concerns regarding the practical difficulty of finding repair services or proving the existence of software tampering, the legislation aims to promote sustainable consumption and reduce waste.