Companies will be prohibited from using software practices that interfere with the work of independent repairers or the use of used or 3D printed parts. The law also stipulates that spare parts and repair tools must be made more easily available and sold at “reasonable prices.”
Ganapini said this is a positive step as the high price of spare parts is one of the main obstacles to making repairs affordable. But she pointed out that the law is vague about what a fair price actually means.
“It will be up to the judge to decide 'this price is not reasonable' and the manufacturer will likely fight back,” she said, adding that the process could take years.
Meanwhile, industry has accepted the new rules, noting that the scope will automatically expand once the European Commission develops new repairability requirements for different product categories under the Ecodesign Act.
The commission said it would prioritize requirements for ICT products, textiles and furniture. But this process is likely to take years.
Hugh Kirk, senior policy manager at industry group DIGITALEUROPE, said “Europe's repair economy is already widespread” and argued the new rules would only “promote” it further.
“This law aims to bring more competition to the repair market and more information about repair services, which will make repairs a more attractive option for consumers,” he said. Stated.
