Many old laptops and smartphones, as well as clothes dryers and coffee machines, wouldn't have to be thrown away if they could be repaired more easily, quickly, and at acceptable prices. (Photo: © stokkete/123RF.com)
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Repairs to washing machines or smartphones are often expensive and time-consuming. The right to repair aims to change this. However, the automotive industry expects an exception regarding the extension of warranties.
More sustainability, less of a throwaway society: Manufacturers of smartphones, tablets, refrigerators, and washing machines will be required to make repairs possible in principle and to keep corresponding spare parts available throughout the product's lifespan. "Furthermore, they must not make repairs more difficult for independent repair shops ," said SPD Member of Parliament Nadine Heselhaus during the second and third readings of the draft law ( more information here ) for the implementation of the EU directive on promoting the repair of goods.
Worldwide, over 60 million tons of electronic waste are generated every year . The directive aims to help curb these quantities. Currently, manufacturers often make repairs difficult. They argue it's too expensive, takes too long, spare parts are lacking, or products simply cannot be repaired, said Nadine Heselhaus, the responsible rapporteur. The new right to repair is good news for both the environment and consumers' wallets.
Customers who opt for a repair within the two-year warranty period will be rewarded with a one-year warranty extension . Replacement devices provided during the repair period will be free of charge.
A new subtitle containing regulations on a manufacturer's obligation to repair outside of the warranty period will be added to the German Civil Code (BGB).
Operations management
Operations management
Operations management
How long a repair may take and what it may cost still needs to be clarified. Carmen Wegge, legal and consumer policy spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group, says: "To ensure that consumers are not deterred from repairs in practice, we are stipulating that the prices for repairs and spare parts, as well as the repair time, must be reasonable."
✔️Check if you are eligible for a repair bonus ,
✔️ to launch an information campaign for the population and
✔️ to advocate for the promotion of skilled workers in the repair sector.
✔️ A reduction in VAT on repair services will also be examined .
An online platform is also planned , providing an overview of repair shops, including those in the skilled trades. Registration will be voluntary.
Susanne Hierl, the CDU/CSU parliamentary group's spokesperson for legal and consumer policy , says: "The new right to repair strengthens the rights of consumers. It saves them money and also serves the environment. In many cases, repairs thus become a better alternative to hastily buying new."
Consumers would receive an additional incentive to opt for repair as part of the subsequent performance process due to the extension of the warranty period.
Hierl points out the problem for automotive businesses : "However, we also see that, especially for motor vehicles, the extension of the warranty period by twelve months after a repair, based on European regulations, can pose a challenge for the automotive industry . We take these concerns seriously. That is why the CDU/CSU successfully pushed through a clause in the negotiations stipulating that the Federal Government should advocate for exceptions to the extended warranty law for motor vehicles at the European level."
The German Association of Motor Trades and Repairs (ZDK) welcomes this initiative and intends to continue its efforts at the European level. "The Bundestag's resolution is an important political signal and confirms our concerns, which we have been raising for months, regarding the practical impact of the regulation on the used car trade and the repair industry," explains ZDK President Thomas Peckruhn . "We will use this momentum and now more actively contribute our arguments to the European discussion."
However, it is regrettable that the extension of warranty claims after repairs, which has been criticized by the automotive industry, remains part of the implementation now decided upon. From the association's perspective, this creates additional liability risks, particularly for technically complex products such as motor vehicles, which could negatively impact willingness to repair, resale opportunities, and the availability of older used cars.
During the legislative process, the German Association of Motor Trades and Repairs (ZDK) warned that extending warranty claims after repairs could lead to dealers no longer offering older vehicles without comprehensive warranty coverage directly from the dealer. Instead, these vehicles might increasingly only be sold on consignment between private parties. Consumers would face a reduced vehicle supply, less choice in the lower price segment, and rising vehicle purchase costs.
"The regulation now adopted must not lead to restrictions on affordable mobility. Therefore, we will strongly advocate our position to the European institutions and campaign for a practical exemption for motor vehicles," said Peckruhn.
The ZDK calls on political decision-makers in Berlin and Brussels to closely monitor the impact of the new regulation on the used car market and the motor vehicle repair industry, and to take greater account of the specific characteristics of technically complex products in future adjustments to European law.
The CDU/CSU, SPD and Alliance 90/The Greens voted in favor of implementing the directive, while the AfD, the Left Party and one Union member voted against it.
An amendment and a resolution proposed by the Greens to tighten regulations, particularly with regard to the problem of insufficient price transparency, were rejected.
The law implementing the European Right to Repair Directive is expected to be discussed in the Federal Council on July 10, 2026 , and should then come into force shortly thereafter.
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