Right to repair: it doesn't work for 96 percent of appliances

It risks turning into a gigantic bluff. right to repair introduced by European legislation in July 2024 with the obligation to be transposed into the national laws of the Member States by 2026. A field survey carried out by a European network of associations, Open Repair Alliance, presents very discouraging results: 96 percent of the products examined, especially household appliances and technological items, are not covered by the right to repair for technical reasons. 

There are several problems that threaten to undermine a historic law, in the interests of consumers and environmental protection. First, the rules apply only to appliances and technological products purchased after the European law came into force. Secondly, some widely used electronic devices, such as desktop computers and even notebooks, are not included in the regulations. The same goes for hair dryers and Games.

Furthermore, spare parts are always overpriced, discouraging consumers from repairing. Ultimately, if the right to repair were to fail, consumers would suffer serious economic damage, and the environment would continue to have to endure the enormous amount of electronic waste (in Italy alone, 5 million tons per year). But significant damage would also affect the European institutions, the Parliament and the Commission, which would lose face and a significant portion of credibility. 

Read also: 

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• Right to repair: we are no longer obliged to buy a new product if it breaks down
• Right to Repair: Laws and riots multiply in America
• Recycling Appliances: 10 Ideas for Repurposing Them
• Why do household appliances last less and less?