The trade license serves as full proof of expertise and compliance with the relevant regulations for electrical appliance repairers. (Photo: © Andriy Popov/123RF.com)
Read aloud:
Anyone who sells or installs devices must now check more closely, document properly and ensure access for repairs – otherwise they face fines.
The Bundestag passed the new [regulation/law] on May 21, 2026. Ecodesign Act adopted. It updates the rules for ecodesign and Energy consumption labelingThe following are affected: Manufacturer, Importers and Retailers from devices such as heaters, machines or household appliances.
With this, Germany is setting the European standard Ecodesign regulation for sustainable products into German law. It sets out the requirements for the environmentally friendly design of products. The goal is for products to last longer and easier to repair and can be recycled. Furthermore, they should use energy and resources more efficiently. Current German laws no longer fully comply with EU regulations.
The new regulations are intended to 1 November 2026 come into effect.
The new Ecodesign Act replaces the old one. EVPGIt brings stricter measures. control and Fines (€).
Operations management
Craft policy
Operations management
• Production and importers must Check conformity yourselfThose who sell products under their own brand can no longer simply rely on the manufacturer.
• New requirements for resource efficiency are binding, for example Spare parts, repair information and dismantling.
• Retailers must check whether CE marking and a declaration of conformity. Generally, nothing more is required.
• Expert repair technicians are available better access to spare parts and information (§ 15 Ecodesign Act).
For businesses that are in the Craft role are registered (trades requiring a license according to Annex A Crafts Code (HwO) as well as crafts and craft-like trades that do not require a license. Annex B of the Crafts Code, insofar as these are also listed in the relevant directory of Chamber of Crafts (to be guided), the path is simple: The Craftsman's card is considered complete Proof of expertise and compliance with the relevant regulations for electrical appliance repairers. Additionally, a yes/no response regarding insurance coverage is required.
For Trades that do not require a license and craft-like trades (Annex B of the Crafts Codeg) who are not registered in the register of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts, three proofs are required: membership in the group of persons (usually by means of Trade license), a self-declaration of compliance with generally accepted technical standards and a yes/no answer regarding insurance coverage.
Although the European Ecodesign Regulation has required manufacturers to provide spare parts and repair documentation since 2021, "technically competent repairers"However, the definition of this term in German law was previously unclear. The revised Ecodesign Act introduces the category of "non-commercial repairer." This now legally establishes that... voluntary initiatives are part of the "technically competent repairers" and have a guaranteed right to spare parts and repair-related information from the manufacturers.
The state is tightening the Sanctions clearly: up to EUR 100.000 For serious violations, such as breaches of product requirements or software rules, fines of up to €10.000 can be imposed; for minor violations, fines are also possible. A new feature is that violations of the following are also now possible: EU Regulation 2024 / 1781 be punished, for example, by Destroy unsold products (up to €100.000).
Those who break the rules violates and pays a fine of at least 7.500 euros, can be imprisoned for up to three years. Public contracts excluded .
Authorities will be exercising greater control in the future: They will be allowed to monitor web crawlers and Use AI and fees They demand payment if products fail. And they work more closely with bodies like the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) zusammen.
The Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH) In a statement, he had fundamentally rejected the draft law. unterstützt. It is an important step towards improving the repairability of products and thus promoting sustainability, resource conservation and consumer interests equally. What Criticism The ZDH also practices, read here.
Sources: Federal Government; Round Table on Repair; German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH)
The advisors at the Chambers of Crafts will be happy to help you with any legal questions!
DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!
Newsletter
Write a comment