The German government plans to introduce a “right to repair” for electronic devices such as smartphones, washing machines and refrigerators. A draft bill by Consumer Protection Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD), seen by the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung (NOZ) and due to be published on Thursday, would require manufacturers to repair products “during their usual lifespan at a reasonable price” and to keep spare parts in stock. For washing machines and tumble dryers, this would apply for around ten years, and for smartphones for at least seven years after production ends.
A “new culture of repairing” is needed, Hubig told the NOZ, adding that the right could make an important contribution. “The throwaway society has no future,” the minister said.
The draft legislation still needs to be coordinated within the government. States, associations and other interested groups can also submit comments until February 13. The proposed changes are intended to implement an EU directive aimed at promoting the repair of goods. The Justice and Consumer Protection Ministry expects the Bundestag to approve the law in the first half of the year, allowing it to be finalised by July 31, 2026 and enter into force, an NOZ spokesperson said.
Hubig rejected criticism that the law could create new bureaucratic burdens for businesses, saying the EU directive would be implemented “one-to-one.” Repairing is better than throwing things away, she said. “It protects the environment and also the wallet.”
The aim is also to ensure that more products are designed so they can actually be repaired, in order to make the economy more circular. Software that prevents repairs would no longer be allowed, and repairs carried out by third parties would be permitted to use parts other than original components.
Concrete effects of the law would include a right to repair at a reasonable price, even years after the warranty period has expired, as well as a right to spare parts. In addition, a product would be considered defective if it cannot be repaired, potentially giving consumers the right to a replacement, for example in the case of a smartphone. Finally, warranty rights could be extended if a product is repaired instead of replaced.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
