- EU Directive 2024/1799 comes into force on July 31, 2026, and obliges manufacturers to repair devices even after the legal guarantee.
- Repair prices must be reasonable and not prohibitive, and brands cannot refuse service because the repairs were done by third parties.
- If a product is repaired under warranty, the coverage is automatically extended for an additional 12 months.
- The regulations affect mobile phones, tablets, televisions, household appliances and other products with European repairability requirements.
For years, when a mobile phone stopped working or a television broke down outside of warranty, the most common decision was to buy a new one. Not because repair was impossible, but because finding original parts, accessing a technical service, or covering the cost of the repair often ended up being more expensive than replacing the device. This reality is about to change significantly across the European Union.
The EU has decided to curb the "use and discard" culture with legislation that aims to extend the lifespan of electronic products and make it easier for consumers to repair them instead of replacing them. Spain has already begun adapting this legislation to its legal system, and July 31st is a key date for its implementation.
What changes with the new directive?
Directive (EU) 2024/1799, known as the right to repairThe law stipulates that manufacturers of certain technological products and household appliances are obligated to offer repair services even after the legal warranty period has expired. This measure does not mean that repairs will be free, but it does require that the price be reasonable and cannot be set in a way that discourages consumers from opting for repair. Furthermore, the repair must be carried out within a reasonable timeframe, and in certain cases, the manufacturer may provide a temporary replacement device.
One of the most relevant novelties is that Brands cannot refuse to repair a device claiming that it has been previously tampered with by an independent technician or that it contains compatible but non-original parts. This opens the door to greater competition in the repair market and reduces the price consumers pay.
Affected products and warranty extension
The regulations apply to a specific list of goods for which European legislation establishes repairability requirements. These include: mobile phones, tablets, televisions, screens, refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and vacuum cleanersThis also includes computers and other everyday electronic equipment. The goal is for these products to be repairable whenever technically feasible and at the consumer's request, considering options such as... mobile phone screen repair.
As a key new feature, if a consumer chooses to repair a product that is still under warranty instead of demanding a replacement, The legal coverage will be required to be extended by at least an additional 12 months.This measure strengthens the appeal of repair compared to buying new equipment and offers greater protection to the user.
Reasonable prices and an end to the obstacles
The directive requires manufacturers to offer reasonable prices for repairsThis will prevent prohibitive fees that make buying a new appliance more attractive. Furthermore, manufacturers will be required to facilitate access to spare parts, tools, and technical information at fair prices. This will allow both official service centers and independent repair shops to compete on a level playing field.
Another obstacle that disappears is the possibility for brands to lock devices using software or hardware to prevent repairs. The regulations expressly prohibit these practices, except in cases justified by security or intellectual property reasons. Consumers will be able to request a standard form. detailing the estimated cost, deadlines and conditions of the arrangement, valid for 30 calendar days to make an informed decision.
Environmental and economic impact
The European Union is pursuing a dual objective with this legislation. On the one hand, reduce the generation of electronic wasteOne of the fastest-growing waste streams each year is electronic waste. It is estimated that 35 million tons of waste are generated annually in Europe, and extending the lifespan of devices helps to reduce that figure. Furthermore, it aims to ease household expenses by making repairs more affordable than replacements, especially in an inflationary environment.
The regulations are also part of the European Green Deal and the strategy to promote a more circular economy. Promote the repair and reuse of components It reduces CO2 emissions and dependence on raw materials from outside the EU. Manufacturers will be forced to revise their design and production processes to make products easier to maintain and repair.
Situation in Spain: deadlines and risks
Spain included these European requirements in the draft Sustainable Consumption Law in July 2025, but the law has not yet completed its processing nor has it been published in the Official State Gazette. The deadline for transposition is July 31, 2026.and if the necessary national provisions are not approved, the European Commission may initiate infringement proceedings for failure to transpose.
For Spanish consumers, the entry into force of this directive will mean a significant change. From that date, Manufacturers of mobile phones and other devices will be required to provide out-of-warranty repairs. at reasonable prices, with no excuses for previous repairs by third parties. Furthermore, it's essential to know if Is your phone still water-resistant after a repair? official or independent.
With this legislative change, Spain joins a transformation driven by Brussels that aims to move away from the consumption model based on replacing a product at the first sign of failure. Repairability and extended lifespans will gain prominence as essential elements of European consumer policy, offering citizens a real alternative to planned obsolescence and fostering a more competitive and transparent repair market.