Coalition Right to Repair Europe advocates for stronger regulations

Right to Repair Europe, a coalition representing over 180 organizations across 30 European countries, is calling for ambitious, horizontal repairability regulations under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The coalition includes repair businesses, environmental NGOs, and consumer groups. In 2022, global electronic waste reached 62 million tons, with two-thirds coming from small electronics that remain largely unregulated in terms of lifespan and repairability. Right to Repair Europe argues that the current product-specific approach is too slow and inefficient to address this issue effectively.

Why horizontal rules are needed

The coalition believes horizontal repairability rules are more time- and resource-efficient, promoting policy coherence while pushing manufacturers to adopt better practices across a wide range of products. However, it stresses that regulations must remain ambitious and avoid a "lowest common denominator" approach.

Proposed repairability requirements

Right to Repair Europe suggests initial horizontal repairability standards for energy-related products, including e-scooters, e-bikes, and toys. It also recommends expanding regulations to cover footwear, furniture, and textiles in the future. The coalition calls for better access to repair and upgrade information, ensuring instructions, wiring diagrams, and software guides are included in the Digital Product Passport and made available to independent repairers and consumers. It also highlights the need for a clear approach to spare parts availability, either through a general definition of necessary parts or a list of commonly worn-out components.

Another key demand is simplified disassembly, requiring that parts be replaceable without specialized tools. Right to Repair Europe also insists that support for products should last in line with their expected lifespan, with spare parts and software updates remaining available for an extended period. To ensure effective repairs, manufacturers should guarantee delivery of replacement parts within 10 working days. Pricing is another crucial factor, and the coalition argues that spare parts should be offered at reasonable rates, with published price lists and a repairability score that factors in the cost of repairs.

To protect repairability, the coalition also calls for a ban on anti-repair practices such as part-pairing and software restrictions that limit consumers’ ability to fix their devices. Misleading warnings that discourage the use of compatible or second-hand parts should also be prohibited.

A unified repairability score

Right to Repair Europe is pushing for a standardized repairability score, which would provide consumers with clear information about the repairability of products, including the availability and cost of spare parts. The coalition also highlights the growing issue of software-based repair restrictions, calling for measures to prevent manufacturers from limiting the use of non-OEM parts through software blocks or proprietary tools.

The push for stronger horizontal repairability regulations under ESPR marks a significant moment for sustainable product policies in Europe. By closing loopholes and enforcing ambitious standards, policymakers can help extend product lifespans and reduce e-waste.