Indeed, Directive 2024/1799 of 13 June 2024, "establishing common rules aimed at promoting the repair of goods", has just been adopted as part of the ambitious European Green Deal. This new legislation, which must be transposed into Belgian law by 31 July 2026, promises to transform our relationship with the goods we purchase by making their repair easier and more encouraged in case of defects. Although the 31 July 2026 deadline may seem far away, it is essential for professionals to begin preparing for their future obligations towards consumers. These consumers will see their rights concerning repairs strengthened, making this process more accessible and thus contributing to the promotion of more sustainable consumption. Let’s focus on some key innovations.
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1. Repairs under warranty
In principle, the consumer may ask their seller, within two years of the product’s delivery, to either repair or replace it in case of a defect. To encourage opting for repair, the new directive requires the seller, when asked to provide one of these two remedies, to inform the consumer of their right to choose and that if they opt for repair, the warranty period will be extended by 12 months, which should incentivise the consumer to prefer this option. The directive also allows the replacement of the defective product with a refurbished one, at the express request of the consumer.
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2. A right to repair outside warranty
If the consumer is no longer able to invoke the warranty from their seller due to the expiration of the period, for instance, the new directive grants them a right to repair for certain technically repairable goods subject to European ecodesign standards, such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, televisions, vacuum cleaners, phones, and tablets. This right can be exercised directly with the manufacturer, who is not necessarily the seller. The manufacturer is required to offer the repair of these goods, either for free or at a reasonable cost, unless it is technically impossible, in which case a refurbished product may be offered to the consumer. Notably, manufacturers can no longer refuse repairs solely because a previous repair was carried out by a third party.
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3. More transparent repair conditions
Repair conditions can sometimes lack clarity, making it difficult to compare offers. To address this, the new directive introduces a repair information form, which resembles a detailed estimate. This form, to be provided free of charge by the repairer (third-party repairer, seller, or manufacturer), must be delivered before signing any repair contract. It must include the identity and contact details of the repairer; a description of the product to be repaired, specifying the nature of the defect and the type of repair proposed; the repair cost, either the total price or, if the price cannot be determined in advance, a calculation method and a maximum estimated price; the repair timeframe, etc. Once the form is provided, the repairer cannot modify the terms for 30 calendar days. If an inspection of the product is necessary to assess the repair cost, limited fees may be charged. If the consumer accepts the terms of the form within its validity period, the repairer is obliged to perform the repair under those conditions.
To guide consumers in finding a repairer, the new directive establishes a free online European platform to help consumers find repairers, sellers of refurbished goods, buyers of defective goods intended to be refurbished, and participatory repair initiatives. This platform will be composed of national sections using a common interface and will include links to existing national platforms. By 31 July 2027, the Commission will set up and maintain this online interface, available in all EU languages, ensuring uniform and comprehensive access to these resources.
Directive 2024/1799 therefore marks a significant step towards more sustainable consumption. For consumers, this legislation will offer easier access to reliable repair services, greater transparency on costs and deadlines, and an extended warranty, thereby reducing waste and encouraging responsible consumption habits. For professionals, these new obligations will push them to offer more accessible repair options and design more durable goods, thus meeting the growing expectations for sustainability and a circular economy.
