Right to repair laws outline manufacturer obligations

New right-to-repair regulations dictate how manufacturers must handle repair requests, costs, and timelines. While manufacturers are permitted to charge reasonable fees and make a profit, the law mandates that the prices for spare parts and tools must be reasonable enough that they do not discourage consumers from seeking repairs.

According to the Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg, manufacturers are required to publish typical repair costs on their websites to allow consumers to make informed decisions. If a device requires a prior diagnosis, manufacturers must inform the consumer of any additional costs before proceeding.

Regarding timelines, the law does not specify a fixed number of days but requires repairs to be completed within a reasonable period. This timeframe depends on the complexity of the defect, part availability, and the urgency for the consumer. Legal experts suggest that consumers should set specific deadlines, such as 14 days, if a manufacturer fails to provide timely updates. Additionally, consumers maintain the right to request only spare parts and tools directly from the manufacturer.