The new law obliges manufacturers to repair their products regardless of the product warranty. Devices must also be designed to allow repairs, for example through replaceable batteries. If consumers choose repair over a new purchase, the warranty period extends by twelve months.
Affected devices include washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, mobile phones, tablets, printers, e-bikes, and e-scooters. For smartphones, spare parts must be available for at least seven years after production ends, and for washing machines and dryers, ten years. The regulation is set to take effect by July 31 of this year at the latest.
The Bitkom association praised the benefits for consumers and the environment. Managing Director Bernhard Rohleder said: “Anyone who uses a smartphone, tablet, or laptop for longer saves money, avoids electronic waste, and conserves resources.” The Federation of German Consumer Organisations welcomed the new regulation but also called for a repair bonus funded by manufacturers.
Industry had previously sharply criticized the law. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) warned of legal uncertainty due to “unclear wording” and requirements that are “hardly feasible in practice.”
Source: www.spiegel.de
