EU urged to regulate spare parts prices to make repair affordable

Repairing a broken device should be straightforward, but high spare parts prices remain a critical barrier. Across the EU, spare parts often cost more than the original product, pushing consumers toward early replacement and undermining the shift to a circular economy. A coalition of consumer and environmental organisations has repeatedly flagged this problem and is calling for harmonised EU regulation.

Repair becomes unaffordable above 30%

Research shows that when repair costs exceed 30% of the price of a new product, most consumers opt for replacement. As repair costs are primarily driven by spare parts pricing, this threshold highlights the urgent need for pricing control. In some cases, spare parts account for nearly the full value of the original device, making repair economically irrational.

Lack of clarity in current EU laws

Although recent EU legislation such as the Common Rules for the Repair of Goods and the Batteries Regulation requires “reasonable” spare parts prices, there is no clear definition of what “reasonable” means. Without EU-wide guidelines, this opens the door to fragmented national interpretations, creating legal uncertainty and market distortion.

New Ecodesign framework offers opportunity

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) includes plans to extend repairability rules across product categories. This is a unique chance to incorporate spare parts price limits horizontally. The first Ecodesign Forum in February 2025 raised the issue, and the coalition has formally submitted proposals to strengthen the inclusion of price barriers in repairability policy.

Binding and transparent pricing needed

A coalition of companies and pressure groups proposes two key regulatory changes. First, spare parts prices should be binding when declared by manufacturers and should not exceed published rates. Second, spare parts pricing should be a formal criterion in EU-wide repairability scores. A 30% threshold would serve as the baseline to ensure economic repairability, backed by stakeholders such as Fnac Darty, Leroy Merlin and other industry groups.

Support for consumers and circular economy

This reform is vital not only to empower consumers but also to support SMEs, local repair businesses and strategic EU autonomy. Affordable spare parts pricing strengthens product lifespan; boosts reuse and reduces waste. A harmonised approach at EU level is essential to make repair viable and circularity real.