The EU Right to Repair Directive is now in force: What businesses need to know

The European Union has taken another major step toward a circular economy. As of this month, the EU Right to Repair Directive (EU Directive on Repair of Goods) applies across the EU, introducing new obligations for manufacturers and new rights for consumers. While many practical measures will only be rolled out over the coming years, the Directive marks a significant shift away from the traditional "replace rather than repair" model.

For manufacturers, retailers, sustainability professionals, and circular economy leaders, understanding these new requirements is essential to remain compliant and identify emerging business opportunities.

What is the EU Right to Repair Directive?

The Directive on the Repair of Goods aims to make repairing products easier, more affordable and more attractive than replacing them. By extending product lifecycles, the legislation supports the EU's ambitions to reduce waste and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

The Directive focuses on increasing repair and reuse of products both during and after the legal guarantee period, encouraging consumers to keep products in use for longer instead of discarding them prematurely.

This legislation forms part of the EU's broader Circular Economy framework and works alongside several other key regulations, including:

• The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which promotes product reparability through design requirements and access to spare parts

• The Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive, which improves information on the durability and reparability of products at the point of sale.

These regulations are reshaping how products are designed, sold, repaired and reused across Europe.

Which products are covered in the EU Right to Repair Directive?

Currently, the Directive applies to manufacturers of products that are already subject to EU reparability requirements, including:

• Household washing machines  

• Household dishwashers  

• Household tumble dryers  

• Refrigerating appliances  

• Electronic displays  

• Welding equipment  

• Servers and data storage products  

• Mobile phones  

• Tablets  

From 18 February 2027, the scope will also include:

• Batteries of e-bikes  

• Batteries of e-scooters  

The scope is expected to expand over time as additional product groups become subject to ecodesign requirements.

What are the new obligations for manufacturers under the EU Right To Repair Directive?

One of the biggest changes introduced by the Directive is the obligation for manufacturers to repair certain products.

Manufacturers must:

• Offer repairs within a reasonable timeframe.  

• Charge a reasonable price for repairs.  

• Provide access to spare parts.  

• Avoid software, hardware, or contractual barriers that unnecessarily prevent repair.

• Make repair information easily accessible to consumers.  

The Directive also strengthens consumer rights. If a consumer chooses repair instead of replacement during the seller's liability period, the legal guarantee must be extended by at least one additional year after the repair.

These measures are intended to remove common barriers that have historically made replacement more attractive than repair.

A European Repair Platform is coming

To make repair services easier to find, the European Commission will introduce a European Repair Platform.

This online platform will allow consumers to locate:

• Professional repair providers  

• Sellers of refurbished goods  

• Community repair initiatives  

Key milestones include:

• 31 July 2027: Establishment of the platform by the Commission.  

• 1 January 2028: The platform becomes fully operational across the EU.  

The platform is expected to improve visibility for repair businesses while making repair a more convenient option for consumers.

Repair incentives will differ across Member States

The Directive also requires every Member State to introduce at least one measure that promotes repair.

Possible measures include:

• Repair vouchers  

• Financial incentives  

• Awareness campaigns  

• Other national support schemes  

Member States must notify the European Commission of these measures by 31 July 2029.

What does the EU Right to Repair Directive mean for businesses?

Although the Directive is now in force, implementation across Europe remains uneven. While Member States were required to transpose the legislation into national law as of 31 July 2026, the majority of member states are still finalising their implementation.

This means businesses operating internationally may encounter different requirements depending on the country until national legislation is fully aligned.

Nevertheless, businesses should not wait.

Preparing early can help organizations:

• Review product repairability strategies.  

• Improve spare parts availability.  

• Assess after-sales service models.  

• Update compliance processes.  

• Identify new circular business opportunities such as refurbishment and repair services.  

Organizations that embrace repair as part of their sustainability strategy may also strengthen customer loyalty while reducing environmental impact.

The role of EU Right to Repair Directive in the future of the circular economy

The EU Right To Repair Directive is another important milestone in the EU's growing circular economy legislation. Combined with regulations such as the ESPR including the Digital Product Passport requirements, and new sustainability reporting obligations, it signals a clear direction of travel: products should remain in use for longer, generate less waste, and retain more value throughout their lifecycle supporting not only circularity, but also the EU's broader goal of strengthening its strategic autonomy through more efficient use of resources.

For sustainability managers, manufacturers, and retailers, staying ahead of these regulatory developments is becoming increasingly important. Not only for compliance but also for maintaining a competitive advantage in an increasingly circular economy.

At TheRockGroup, we help organizations understand evolving EU sustainability legislation and translate regulatory change into practical business strategies. Whether you're preparing for circular economy requirements, ESG compliance or sustainability transformation, our experts can help you navigate what's next.

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