‘Right to Repair’ Directive: don’t unravel the Commission proposal

The proposed ‘Right to Repair’ Directive creates a positive new framework to enable more European consumers to access high-quality, safe repairs.

Our members perform millions of repairs annually. Their repair facilities across Europe help promote sustainable consumption, reduce ICT products’ environmental impact, deliver real consumer benefits, and create high-skilled jobs.

DIGITALEUROPE supports the proposal’s proportionate drive to encourage even more repairs. However, we are deeply concerned by the European Parliament’s report, which undermines the Commission’s approach by removing the link to the ecodesign framework, which sets out rules for the repairability of devices at the product category level.

To create the most effective framework, we suggest some key priorities for trilogues:

• Maintain the crucial link to the ecodesign framework to ensure repairs are carried out safely and successfully whilst safeguarding legal certainty and consistency;
• Allow for the replacement of defective products with refurbished ones. This would capture the sustainability benefits whilst also giving consumers a quicker solution; and
• Keep the current system of seller liability, which works well because the consumer knows exactly who to turn to when they have problems with their device, and the seller can easily check whether the device is still covered by the legal guarantee.