Right to repair: Draft law is available

Germany is getting a right to repair. The draft law stipulates a long-term repair obligation for manufacturers of washing machines or smartphones. "Repairing is better than throwing away," said Federal Justice Minister Hubig.

This article is part of the special topic Repair instead of throwing away

Germany will become a new Right to repair It will be available. It is intended to apply to certain technical devices such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners or smartphones. Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) has the corresponding Draft law on January 15, 2026 Published. Manufacturers of such devices will in future be required to repair these products for up to ten years at a reasonable price.

"Repairing is better than throwing away," said the minister. "It protects the environment and also saves money. With the new right to repair, we want to make it easier for consumers to choose repair." Manufacturers will also be prohibited from using software or technical protection measures that hinder repairs by third parties, such as specialist tradespeople. This is one aspect that the Central Association of German Crafts which had been repeatedly pointed out in the past as an important prerequisite for taking over repairs.

Furthermore, the law is intended to sustainable consumption promoted and Consumer rights They should be strengthened. They should be given an incentive to choose repair when a product is defective, even if they could demand a replacement: Their Right to warranty against defects The waiting period should be extended from two to three years if a decision is made to repair the vehicle.

The draft law also clarifies: If a product cannot be repairedAlthough repairability can usually be expected with this type of product, this constitutes a defect – and the buyer can assert warranty rights.

The draft law is based on the EU directive on the right to repair. Until End of July 2026 Member States must transpose the provisions of the directive into national law. "The throwaway society has no future. We need a new culture of repair," the minister emphasized. "The law can make an important contribution to this."

The following changes are planned: 

New right to repair

Manufacturers of certain technical products such as washing machines, refrigerators and smartphones are required to repair the devices free of charge or at a reasonable price if they become defective after purchase.

The right to repair should be enforceable for several years; for example, at least ten years for washing machines and at least seven years for smartphones. The ten or seven years begin the moment production of the model ceases (and not, for instance, at its market launch).

The right to repair should apply to all products for which manufacturers already offer a repair option under current law. Keep spare parts in stock for a certain period of time. must. During this period, manufacturers will also be required to repair the products.

The new right to repair will be particularly after the warranty period has expired This becomes relevant when no warranty rights against the seller exist. However, it also applies if a product was not defective at the time of the transfer of risk, but the defect arose later, or if it cannot be proven that the defect existed from the beginning.

This gives consumers the opportunity to have their product repaired instead of throwing it away.

Manufacturers will not be disproportionately burdened.

Specifications for repairability

If a product cannot be repaired, even though repairability is normally expected for that type of product, this constitutes a defect. The buyer can assert warranty rights.

Manufacturers of washing machines, refrigerators or smartphones will in future be required to provide spare parts and tools for repairs at a reasonable price.

They are generally prohibited from using any software or technical protection measures that hinder repairs. This also applies to repairs carried out by independent third parties or repairs using non-original spare parts.

Extension of the warranty period

If consumers choose to have a defective product repaired, even though they could also demand a replacement, the warranty period against the seller should be extended from two to three years.

The duration of the reversal of the burden of proof, during which it is presumed that a defect was already present at the time of delivery, remains unchanged at one year. 

Comments on the draft law can be submitted until February 13, 2026.

Source: Federal Ministry of Justice

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