Denmark moves to make product repairs easier under EU directive

Denmark is moving to make repairing products simpler for consumers, aligning with an EU directive aimed at boosting the circular economy. The proposed legislation, which has passed its first parliamentary reading, seeks to extend the lifespan of existing goods, benefiting both consumers and the environment.

Justice Minister Nicolai Wammen introduced the bill, which implements a 2024 EU directive designed to encourage the repair of goods. "We must make it easier to extend the life of the products we already have. It is good for the consumer and good for the green transition," stated Malte Larsen, presenting the proposal in parliament.

The regulations will cover major appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, and freezers, as well as mobile phones, tablets, and data storage devices. Manufacturers will be required to offer repairs either free of charge or at a reasonable price and complete them within a timely manner. The directive does not specify what constitutes "reasonable time" but prohibits manufacturers from imposing contract terms that make repairs unnecessarily difficult.

This EU directive is a "total harmonization directive," meaning all member states must implement it without national variations, unless explicitly permitted. Denmark has chosen not to exercise options for a longer warranty period after a repair or to list national repairers on a European platform. The government intends for the law to take effect immediately upon its adoption and publication, as Denmark missed the original July 31 deadline for implementation.

“

We must make it easier to extend the life of the products we already have. It is good for the consumer and good for the green transition.