Every year, 35 million tonnes of waste and 261 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions are generated in the EU simply because repairable products are discarded instead of fixed. From 31 July 2026, all EU Member States must apply the EU Directive on common rules promoting the repair of goods, marking a historic shift toward sustainability and consumer empowerment.
Repair is now the by default, affordable, and convenient option for consumers across Europe.
But what does this mean for you, whether you’re a consumer, business, or policymaker?
Join the discussion during a High Level Online Round Table
“The Right to Repair: How Can Europe Deliver on Its Promise?”
- 19 March 2026 | 10:30 CET
- Live streaming on the Euroconsumers platform
The EU Repair Directive: Key Measures and Benefits
The Directive on repair of goods is a cornerstone of the European Green Deal, designed to extend product lifespans, reduce waste, and empower consumers.
Manufacturers’ obligation to repair
Manufacturers of products like fridges and smartphones covered by the EU’s reparability requirements must now repair these goods within a reasonable time and at a fair price. They are also banned from using contractual, hardware, or software barriers to block repairs, unless there’s a valid reason. Additionally, they must provide access to spare parts at reasonable prices, ensuring repairs remain affordable for consumers.
To boost transparency, manufacturers must clearly communicate repair options, such as through websites or instruction manuals and publish indicative prices for common repairs on a free-access platform. These measures aim to make repair the easy, accessible, and obvious choice, helping to cut waste and support a circular economy.
European Online Platform for repair
A new European Online Repair Platform launched in 2027 will help consumers easily find local repairers across the EU. It will make repair services more accessible and transparent for all consumers.
Extension of the legal guarantee after repair
If a consumer chooses repair over replacement under the legal guarantee, the guarantee period is extended by one additional year after the repair is completed. This change, introduced by the EU Repair Directive, encourages consumers to opt for repair by offering longer protection for their products.
National measures promoting repair
Each EU Member State must implement at least one measure to promote repair, such as repair vouchers, public information campaigns, or training programs in repair skills. These initiatives both financial and non-financial, aim to make repair more accessible and encourage a culture of sustainability.
European Repair Information Form
Repairers can use the standardized European Repair Information Form to provide clear details about their services, allowing consumers to easily compare repair offers.
