Overview
- Germany implemented the EU Right to Repair, which took effect on Friday, July 31, 2026, and requires covered devices to be designed for repair and supported with parts, tools and instructions.
- The law covers about 16 product groups including washing machines, refrigerators, TVs, smartphones and e‑bikes and obliges manufacturers to keep parts available for seven to ten years depending on the product.
- Manufacturers may charge for repairs but must publish typical repair prices and offer repairs after the statutory two‑year warranty; the rule that repairs in warranty extend seller liability by 12 months also takes effect.
- Critics and industry groups say the law leaves key terms vague — notably what counts as an “appropriate” price — and provides weak enforcement, no clear sanctions and logistics challenges for long spare‑parts storage.
- Planned next steps include a February 2027 rule for replaceable batteries in battery‑powered devices and an EU repair services platform due in 2027, both of which could change how the law works in practice.