The European Union has passed comprehensive Right-to-Repair regulations for consumer electronics and household appliances, requiring manufacturers to guarantee spare parts availability and repairability for up to 10 years. Companies must make repair manuals and diagnostic tools available to independent repair shops and even to end users. The new rules aim to reduce electronic waste, empower consumers, and pressure brands into more sustainable design.
Non-compliant manufacturers could face fines up to 5% of global turnover. Apple and Samsung have already started revising product lifecycles and modular equipment design in response. The legislation is part of the EU’s broader circular economy agenda, complementing efforts to regulate plastics, recycling, and product durability. According to the European Parliament, this policy could reduce e-waste by at least 20% across member countries within the next five years.