European Union

08 rights granted

1. 01

   Right to repair during the legal guarantee

   During the legal guarantee (minimum 2 years across the EU), sellers must offer repair as a remedy unless it is impossible or more expensive than replacement. Consumers can choose repair over replacement for in-warranty defects.

   Applies to smartphone, tablet, washing-machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, tumble-dryer, tv-display

   Directive (EU) 2024/1799 on common rules promoting the repair of goods, Article 12 (amending Directive (EU) 2019/771)
2. 02

   Manufacturer obligation to repair after the guarantee

   For products covered by EU repairability requirements, producers must repair the device on the consumer's request, even after the legal guarantee has expired, for the period set in the relevant Ecodesign rules.

   Applies to smartphone, tablet, washing-machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, tumble-dryer, tv-display, vacuum-cleaner

   Directive (EU) 2024/1799, Article 5 (Producer obligation to repair) and Annex II
3. 03

   Right to spare parts at reasonable prices

   Manufacturers must make spare parts available to consumers and independent repairers at a reasonable, non-discriminatory price for a defined period after the product is placed on the market. They cannot use contractual or technical practices to block independent repair.

   Applies to smartphone, tablet, washing-machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, tumble-dryer, tv-display · 7 years post-purchase

   Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1670 (smartphones/tablets Ecodesign) and Directive (EU) 2024/1799 Article 5
4. 04

   Access to repair information and software updates

   Producers must provide repair and maintenance information to professional repairers, and free security and functionality updates for smartphones and tablets for at least 5 years after the last unit is placed on the market.

   Applies to smartphone, tablet

   Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1670 — Ecodesign requirements for smartphones and tablets
5. 05

   Prohibition of parts pairing and software locks that block independent repair

   Manufacturers may not use hardware or software techniques that prevent the use of compatible spare parts or block independent repairers, unless objectively justified. Misleading consumers about repair compatibility is also prohibited.

   Applies to smartphone, tablet, washing-machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, tumble-dryer, tv-display

   Directive (EU) 2024/1799, Article 5(2) and recital 30
6. 06

   Right to a standardised European Repair Information Form

   Before agreeing to a paid repair, consumers can request a free European Repair Information Form from the repairer that lists the price, duration, and conditions of the repair in a comparable format. Repairers must honour the quoted price for 30 days.

   Applies to smartphone, tablet, washing-machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, tumble-dryer, tv-display

   Directive (EU) 2024/1799, Article 4 (European Repair Information Form)
7. 07

   Access to a national online repair platform

   Each member state must run a free online platform listing local repairers, sellers of refurbished goods, and community repair initiatives, searchable by location and product type.

   Applies to smartphone, tablet, laptop, washing-machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, tv-display

   Directive (EU) 2024/1799, Article 7 (Online platform for repair)
8. 08

   Extended legal guarantee after a repair

   If a consumer chooses repair under the legal guarantee, the guarantee period is extended by 12 months after the repaired product is returned. Member states may go further.

   Applies to smartphone, tablet, washing-machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, tumble-dryer, tv-display

   Directive (EU) 2024/1799, Article 12 (amending Directive (EU) 2019/771 Article 14)

Consumer actions

• Request a free European Repair Information Form

  1. 01Identify the device, brand and model and the defect.
  2. 02Contact a professional repairer (manufacturer, authorised, or independent).
  3. 03Ask in writing for the European Repair Information Form before any paid diagnosis.
  4. 04Compare quotes from at least two repairers — the quoted price must hold for 30 days.

• Claim a free repair under the 2-year EU legal guarantee

  1. 01Locate your proof of purchase (receipt or invoice).
  2. 02Notify the seller (not the manufacturer) in writing within the 2-year guarantee period.
  3. 03State that you choose repair as the remedy under Directive (EU) 2019/771.
  4. 04If the seller refuses or delays unreasonably, escalate to the national consumer authority or an ADR body.

• Order a spare part from the manufacturer

  1. 01Find the part number on the manufacturer's repair portal or EPREL entry for the model.
  2. 02Confirm the part is listed as available to end users (some are pro-only).
  3. 03Order directly or via an authorised distributor — keep the order confirmation.
  4. 04If the part is missing or overpriced, file a complaint with the national market surveillance authority.

• Find a local repairer via the national online platform

  1. 01Once your country launches its online repair platform (deadline 31 July 2027), open it.
  2. 02Search by product category and postal code.
  3. 03Filter for repairers offering the European Repair Information Form.
  4. 04Check user ratings, certifications, and warranty terms before booking.