From 31 July 2026, the EU’s Right to Repair Directive is set to change how consumers deal with broken household appliances, electronics and other products. Its goal is to make repair an easier, more affordable and more sustainable choice. With an expected €4.8 billion boost to the EU economy and a European repair platform due to launch in 2027, the Directive aims to extend product lifespans, reduce waste and give consumers easier access to repair services.
The Right to Repair introduces several important changes. Consumers will be able to request repairs for certain products at a reasonable price and within a reasonable timeframe. Legal guarantees will be extended by 12 months when consumers choose repair over replacement, while manufacturers will have to facilitate access to spare parts, tools and repair information.
But what does this mean in practice for manufacturers, retailers and repair businesses? EuropeOn members Techniek Nederland and ZVEH have been closely following the implementation of the new rules in the Netherlands and Germany.
Techniek Nederland and the Dutch Approach
Techniek Nederland has actively followed the Right to Repair and its implementation in the Netherlands, assessing what the new framework will mean for technical businesses and repair professionals. The Dutch government’s implementation bill, submitted on 10 July 2026, sets out how the Directive will be applied nationally. While the existing legal guarantee remains in place, new requirements are being introduced.
For sellers, repairs or replacements must be carried out within a reasonable timeframe and without significant inconvenience to consumers. When consumers choose repair, the period for invoking non-conformity is extended compared with replacement. A replacement product, which may be refurbished, can also be provided on loan while the repair is carried out.
For manufacturers, repair obligations will apply even after the legal guarantee period. Spare parts and tools must also be made available to independent repairers at reasonable prices, while information on repair services and indicative costs must be accessible to consumers.
The EU framework also foresees a European online repair platform. In the Netherlands, the National Repairers Register already provides consumers with a way to find qualified repair professionals, helping to support professional repair services and access to the necessary parts.
ZVEH highlights the opportunities and challenges for Electrical Trades
In Germany, ZVEH highlights both new obligations and potential opportunities for electrical craft businesses.
For sellers of electrical appliances, existing processes will need to be reviewed. Complaint handling, documentation and limitation periods may need to be adapted to comply with the new rules.
For repair service providers, new business opportunities could emerge as manufacturers look for qualified electrical professionals to fulfil their repair obligations. At the same time, repairers are not generally required to accept every job, meaning that factors such as the availability and cost of spare parts will remain important in determining whether a repair is economically viable.
ZVEH welcomes the objectives of the Directive and Germany’s restrained approach to implementation, which avoids adding stricter national requirements. At the same time, it stresses that access to affordable spare parts, tools and technical information will be essential if electrical trades are to benefit from the new framework.
