They are produced in Turkey every year. European Union 35 million tons of waste and 261 million tons of carbon emissions greenhouse gases products that are generally applicable and repairable, but ultimately discarded and thrown into the trash prematurely with an estimated loss of 12 billion euros per year to consumers. The European Commission should put an end to this practice and “right to repair” It is above the “right of substitution”. According to a bill passed this Wednesday, manufacturers of televisions, appliances, and other appliances will be required to provide their customers with a repair guarantee. between 5 and 10 years after product purchase.
Brussels recognizes that when a product’s two-year statutory warranty expires, many consumers choose to replace the product. Difficulty accessing an adequate repair service at an acceptable price. It is also a common exchange practice for defective products that break down within the statutory warranty period. To promote sustainable consumption, the Commission wants stricter rules.
In the case of repairs under warranty, the directive on the sale of goods currently determines that for a period of two years, the consumer can ask the seller to repair or replace a product free of charge. product compatibility. With the new offer, when the repair is cheaper or of equal cost, sellers will replace it. free repair within a reasonable time and without inconvenience for the consumer.
After the two-year statutory warranty expires, Consumers will be able to require manufacturers to repair products after 5 to 10 years (depending on the product type), unless it is impossible (for example, if there is technically irreparable damage to the products), but the repair will not be free of charge. According to Brussels, the regulation will help consumers find suitable repair services and consumers will have the right to ask the workshop to provide the European repair information sheet on the price and basic conditions of the repair that must apply. for 30 days.
Products covered
The obligation to guarantee the right to repair will primarily cover washing machines, dryers, household dishwashers, refrigerators, electronic displays, welding equipment, vacuum cleaners and servers, and data storage. Although soon mobile phones, cordless phones and tablets will be added to the list. According to Brussels, the benefits will be enormous for consumers, the environment and the economy. As far as consumers are concerned, the offer repair more attractiveIt will facilitate comparison of repair services and entitle manufacturers to repair certain goods for a fee beyond the statutory warranty, regardless of the nature of the defect.
The measure is also positive effect on environment That’s because less discarded products means less waste, less materials to manufacture new products, and less greenhouse gas emissions in the manufacturing and sales process. In other words, according to Brussels, it will be possible to save 18.5 million tons of greenhouse gas, 1.8 million tons of resources and 3 million tons of waste in 15 years. A reflection on the economy as well. The European Commission calculates that dealers and manufacturers will save about 15.6 billion euros over the next 15 years by repairing products instead of replacing them free of charge under statutory warranty. In addition, consumers will save 176.5 billion euros in the same period.