The repair trade needs tax relief, subsidies such as repair premiums, a nationwide repair bonus, and structural investment support. (Photo: © Elnur/123RF.com)
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The German Bundestag debated the right to repair on May 20th. A recent study by the ITB (Institute for Trade and Industry) analyzes the importance of repairs in the skilled trades.
Manufacturers of washing machines, refrigerators, and smartphones will be required to repair their products. With this right to repair, the German government is implementing an EU directive. The Bundestag held its first reading of the draft law on May 20, 2026. Following the debate, the draft was referred to the lead Committee on Legal Affairs and Consumer Protection for further consideration.
In line with this, the Institute for Business Management in the Skilled Trades (itb) has published a recent study analyzing the importance of repairs in the skilled trades sector. The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH ) commissioned the study, which focuses on the requirements for a repair platform from the perspective of selected trade associations.
Due to economic and environmental crises, scarce resources, and climate policy goals, repairs are becoming increasingly important for sustainable consumption . Many craft businesses have long offered repairs as an integral part of their services. By extending the lifespan of products, they conserve resources, prevent waste, and support sustainability and the circular economy.
The study shows that repairs pose very different technical, economic, and organizational challenges depending on the product group – from shoes and windows to smartphones and other technical devices. Consequently, many stakeholders are involved in repairs. In addition to specialized craft businesses, civil society initiatives and government agencies are also actively involved, aiming to promote repairs. Effective repair promotion must therefore take into account the specific conditions of each trade.
Operations management
Operations management
Operations management
The study is based on the planned EU law on repair , which Germany must implement by July 31, 2026, and for which the law is currently being amended in Germany. Among other things, an online platform is planned to connect consumers with repair service providers . This platform is scheduled to launch no later than July 31, 2027.
This is precisely where the study comes in. The publication analyzes interviews with employees of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) and selected trade associations of the repair trades . It examines the role of repairs in the skilled trades today, their structures, the problems they face , and the specific needs of the repair trades. A key focus is on the requirements for a central repair platform and how the skilled trades would design it.
The study concludes that bureaucratic burdens must be significantly reduced in all trades . At the same time , concrete structural, technological, environmental, and social aspects must be considered. Only in this way can the measures have a long-term and sustainable effect and ensure the availability of repair services from qualified businesses.
However, policymakers must design a differentiated funding framework for the economic sector, taking into account the specific realities of each industry. The text cites tax breaks, subsidies such as repair premiums , a nationwide repair bonus , and structural investment support as concrete examples.
As an innovation, the representatives of the trades suggest interfaces for the platform that would allow businesses to directly access manufacturer information and engage in professional exchange with other businesses.
Repair subsidies for the skilled trades. Download the study for free here . DHB now also available digitally! Simply click here and register for the digital German Skilled Trades Journal (DHB)!
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