New EU-wide product repair rules come into force
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
EU 'right to repair' rules take effect, targeting 35 million tonnes of annual waste.
New EU regulations aim to reduce waste from premature disposal of goods by making repair easier. Consumers can request manufacturers repair technically repairable products like washing machines, phones, and tablets. Repairs must be free or at a reasonable price, within a reasonable time. Manufacturers must provide repair info and spare parts at reasonable prices. A national repair platform, RepairMyStuff.ie, will be developed. The rules are expected to bring €4.8 billion in growth and investment in the EU.
What commenters are saying
Commenters broadly welcome the rules but see them as incomplete. The dominant criticism is that software obsolescence, especially locked bootloaders and discontinued OS support, renders hardware useless regardless of physical repairability. Specific examples include outdated iPads and Amazon bricking old Kindles. Commenters argue for extending the rules to mandate unlockable bootloaders or custom OS installation after support ends. Others note that repair economics in high-wage EU countries may limit impact, and call for banning non-replaceable batteries in small appliances.