The European Parliament on Tuesday approved a new law establishing consumers' right to repair certain products including smartphones, tablets, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, fridges and monitors.
The law - which still needs final approval from European Union member states - would require manufacturers to repair goods out of warranty wherever possible, either for free or for a "reasonable price."
They would also have to sell whatever spare parts they make to third-party repairers, also for a "reasonable price."
The new rules are intended to help consumers and cut waste by making it easier for people to use products for longer and to replace them less often.
The European Commission proposed the first draft of the legislation in March 2023.
A total of 584 EU lawmakers voted in favour of the law and just three voted against, while 14 abstained.
EU law already requires manufacturers to repair or replace faulty goods for free within a two year warranty.
The provisions approved on Tuesday would extend by one year the warranty of any product repaired in this way.
They would also require manufacturers to inform consumers of their right to choose repair over replacement when returning a product under warranty.
But the more significant changes concern out-of-warranty repairs: for example where products were bought more than two years ago, or when they're damaged accidentally after purchase.
Manufacturers would be obliged to offer an out-of-warranty repair service, either for free or for a "reasonable price," the legislation says. Manufacturers would not have to repair goods "where repair is impossible."
Manufacturers also have to make any spare parts they produce available for purchase by third-party repairers, again for a "reasonable price."
