Denmark implements EU Right to Repair directive

Denmark has passed new legislation implementing the European Union’s Right to Repair directive. The law extends the warranty period for repairs from two to three years, covering a wide range of products including smartphones and electric vehicles. If a defect appears in a repair within 36 months, consumers are entitled to have the issue corrected.

The regulations aim to make repairing items more attractive than purchasing new ones to reduce resource waste. Manufacturers of electronics and vehicles are now obligated to provide spare parts, tools, and necessary software at reasonable prices. Additionally, technical or software-based barriers that prevent independent workshops from performing repairs are prohibited.

To improve transparency, consumers will have access to a standardized European information sheet detailing repair costs and expected wait times. If a repair takes several days, the rules allow for the possibility of borrowing a replacement product free of charge.

However, some volunteer-led initiatives, such as free repair cafes, have expressed concern that they may be overlooked in the new legal framework. These organizations fear they might miss out on increased access to spare parts despite their role in promoting a circular economy.