EU Right to Repair regulations take effect in Austria and Germany

New consumer protection regulations regarding the ‘right to repair’ have come into effect in Austria and Germany, following the implementation of EU directives. These rules aim to encourage device repair over replacement to reduce waste.

In Austria, manufacturers are now required to offer repairs even after the warranty period has expired for certain products, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and mobile phones. Additionally, if a consumer chooses a repair instead of a replacement during the warranty period, the warranty is extended by one year. However, if a fault appears after the first year, the burden of proof shifts to the consumer to demonstrate the defect existed at the time of delivery.

In Germany, the implementation of the EU ‘Right to Repair’ directive allows consumers to demand repairs directly from manufacturers. Manufacturers are obligated to provide spare parts at reasonable prices. The Verbraucherzentrale Rheinland-Pfalz is hosting an online seminar to inform citizens about these new rights and how to exercise them.