EU Right-to-Repair rules take effect in Germany

EU right to repair Germany manufacturers warranty extension spare parts

The European Union’s Right‑to‑Repair Directive, adopted in June 2024, entered into force on 30 July 2024 and must be transposed by member states by 31 July 2026. Germany has incorporated the rules, obligating manufacturers to offer repairs for a defined list of products – including washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, TVs, smartphones and tablets – even after the statutory two‑year warranty expires. They must make spare parts available at a reasonable price for the normal lifespan of the product, provide clear information on repair costs and duration, and may not block third‑party or 3‑D‑printed components.

Consumers who choose repair within the two‑year warranty period receive an automatic twelve‑month extension of the warranty, and the repair‑obligation periods vary by product (up to ten years for appliances, seven years for smartphones). German consumer organisations advise keeping purchase documents and can help enforce these new rights.

The measures aim to extend product lifespans, reduce waste and support a circular economy while strengthening independent repair workshops.

Entities: Brigitte Dörhöfer · European Commission · European Union · German government · Germany · München · Smartphone · Verbraucherzentrale NRW

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 4 SOURCES] Manufacturers must inform consumers in advance about repair costs and duration. (new)
[● 3 SOURCES] The warranty period for new goods is two years; after a repair it is extended by twelve months. (new)
[● 3 SOURCES] The law strengthens independent repair workshops and prohibits manufacturers from blocking third‑party or 3D‑printed parts. (new)
[● 2 SOURCES] Consumers who choose repair instead of replacement receive a twelve‑month extension of the statutory warranty. (Both articles)
[● 3 SOURCES] Manufacturers must provide spare parts at a reasonable price throughout the product’s normal lifespan. (new)
[● 3 SOURCES] The EU right‑to‑repair directive came into force in Germany on 31 July 2026. (new)
[● 3 SOURCES] The directive applies to washing machines, tumble‑dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, vacuum cleaners, TVs, smartphones, tablets, servers and external SSDs, and e‑bike batteries. (new)
[● 3 SOURCES] Manufacturers must offer repairs for specified product groups after the warranty period expires. (new)