Right to Repair: Bundestag passes law on repair rights

Germany has enacted a new law granting consumers the "right to repair" for various electronic devices, implementing an EU directive aimed at fostering sustainability and reducing waste. The Bundestag passed the legislation, which legally obligates manufacturers to repair products such as smartphones, tablets, washing machines, and e-bikes at a reasonable cost throughout their expected lifespan.

Under the new regulations, devices must also be designed to be repairable. This means manufacturers cannot, for example, permanently embed batteries in a way that prevents their replacement. The law directly targets the prevalent "throwaway mentality" by encouraging repair over replacement.

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This strengthens consumers and leads to more sustainability. Instead of a throwaway culture, we need a new culture of repairing.

Consumers stand to benefit from this legislation in several ways. If a consumer chooses to repair a faulty device instead of replacing it, their existing warranty period will be extended by twelve months. This provides an added incentive for opting for repair.

Federal Minister for Consumer Protection Stefanie Hubig stated in March that the law "strengthens consumers and leads to more sustainability." She emphasized the need for a "new culture of repairing" instead of a culture of disposal. The IT and telecommunications industry association, Bitkom, also sees advantages, noting that longer product use saves money, reduces electronic waste, and conserves resources. The Federation of German Consumer Organizations welcomed the regulation but called for additional financial incentives, such as a repair bonus funded by manufacturers, to make repairs even more attractive.

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Whoever uses smartphones, tablets, or laptops longer saves money, avoids electronic waste, and conserves resources.