Just weeks before the EU’s new Right to Repair rules were set to take effect, the European Commission has proposed a significant change that would weaken the legislation. A newly introduced “corrective legislative act” would remove the requirement for user-replaceable displays, which are the most frequently broken smartphone component. The EU pressure group ‘Right to Repair’ reveal this last week.
Displays are most commonly repaired part
According to a survey, over 61% of all smartphone repairs involve a broken screen. The original EU Ecodesign regulation, adopted in November 2023, aimed to make such repairs easier, faster, and more accessible by mandating that screens and other common components be user-replaceable. These provisions were due to come into force in 2025.
New act supports industry preferences
The proposed change would allow users to buy replacement displays but not install them themselves, meaning only professional repairers could legally perform such work. Critics argue this protects manufacturers’ business models and undermines the core goal of the Right to Repair initiative: to give consumers more control over the lifespan of their devices.
Sustainability groups raise concerns
The Right to Repair campaign, a coalition of over 180 organisations across 30 countries, has condemned the proposal as “an industry-friendly decision that flies in the face of sustainability and common sense.” They argue that removing the user-replaceability requirement could result in more electronic waste and discourage consumers from attempting affordable, DIY repairs.
Timing of decision is critical
The European Commission is accepting feedback until mid-June. Advocacy groups have already submitted objections and are urging the public to join them in defending strong repair rights. The outcome could set a precedent for how far the EU is willing to go in balancing environmental goals with industry interests.
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