From July 31, 2026, European legislation will impose obligations on the reparability of products. The aim of this Right to Repair legislation is to give consumers more power to demand repairs to their products. Extending the lifespan of products also benefits the circular economy.

• Electrical and electronic products   
• The rules will be introduced gradually, starting with these products:   
• Mobile phones, cordless phones, and tablets   
• Electronic displays such as TVs and computer monitors   
• Washing machines and dryers   
• Dishwashers   
• Refrigerators   
• Vacuum cleaners   
• Servers and electronic data storage products   
• Electric vehicles with a battery weighing less than 25 kg, such as scooters and bicycles   
• Welding equipment   

Requirements for manufacturers   

Manufacturers are obliged to offer repairs within the warranty period. Offering a new replacement product is no longer sufficient. Manufacturers are also responsible for repairs outside the statutory warranty period. However, this responsibility does not mean that they have to carry out the repairs themselves. Outsourcing to third parties is also permitted.   

It is also important that customers receive information about their right to repair, the responsibilities of the manufacturer, and an estimate of repair costs. If repair is not possible, these obligations lapse, but the manufacturer must offer a refurbished (second-hand and reconditioned) product as an alternative.

How can we support you?   

The right to repair is good for consumers and the circular economy. For manufacturers and retailers, this means greater responsibility after the sale, including during the use phase of their products. Making strategic choices and collaborating with other parties in the chain makes this process more transparent and easier to understand. You can start doing this right now.    

• We believe that circular design of your products offers an excellent opportunity to make repairs faster and easier, for example through standardization or better design of vulnerable parts. As industrial designers, we are experts in eco-design and are happy to help you with this.    
• One of the tools that the government is likely to use to promote repair is subsidies. This could involve a new scheme or an extension of an existing scheme. We can apply for subsidies on your behalf as an individual entrepreneur. We can also set up a circular chain project in which we facilitate cooperation between a number of relevant parties to give shape and substance to the right to repair.    
• For repair companies, we can conduct market research to identify the best opportunities. And for new players in this repair market, there are plenty of opportunities with circular business models. Examples include product-as-a-service, where you build the right to repair into your business operations, setting up return logistics for repairs, sharing platforms, or the use of secondary materials for repairs. We can support you in developing a profitable business model.