The European Union is preparing to sign a decision that will soon affect our lives. Warranty conditions for technological products in EU member states will change. The current component supply and repair time of up to 5 years will be extended to 10+ years. Here are the details…
The warranty conditions for technological products are changing!
The new warranty conditions that are desired to be applied for technological products in the EU require manufacturers to repair the products for 10 years from the date of purchase. This also means that devices or parts under warranty need to be repaired rather than replaced, which will reduce waste generated by faulty devices.
The main focus of the new application is that hardware/component manufacturers will have to provide repair rights within 10 years, even if the warranty has expired, as long as the customers demand it. This includes not only household appliances but also other consumer electronics such as phones and tablets, as well as other products such as cars.
The relevant bill also calls for a “repair meeting platform” that will make it easier for consumers who want to repair their products. However, the Right to Repair coalition sees this new proposal as a missed opportunity, as it fails to demand universal repair rights.
The biggest concern regarding the new bill is that it does not say anything about repair costs. This means that we may see price speculation in spare parts and repair costs, and consequently, it may be cheaper to buy a new product instead of repairing it.
If the device is completely scrapped in this scenario, the design loses its meaning. However, as the relevant proposal is elaborated over time, such issues will take shape, and a proposal that all countries want to sign will emerge.
What do you think about this issue? Don’t forget to share your opinions with us in the comments!
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