EU Right to Repair directive implementation

The European Union has officially enacted the ‘Right to Repair’ directive to reduce electronic waste and extend product lifespans. The regulation mandates that manufacturers of common consumer goods, such as smartphones and household appliances, provide repair services and spare parts for up to ten years after a product enters the market.

For products purchased starting July 31, 2026, consumers are entitled to a twelve-month warranty extension if a device is repaired under the legal warranty period. The directive aims to make repairs more accessible by requiring the availability of diagnostic tools and spare parts, thereby challenging business models based on forced upgrades.

Following the EU-wide enactment, Italy has implemented the regulations through Legislative Decree No. 176. This national law extends protections to 11 product categories, including tablets, vacuum cleaners, and certain transport vehicles. Italian regulations specify that manufacturers must provide spare parts at reasonable prices and may face administrative fines between 5,000 and 50,000 euros for non-compliance. The law also permits the use of second-hand, compatible, or 3D-printed parts and allows consumers to use independent repair services. An EU online platform is expected to launch by July 31, 2027, to assist consumers in locating repair shops and refurbished goods.