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CCPC guidance on right-to-repair rules

The consumer-protection watchdog has published guidance on new laws aimed at strengthening people's rights to have products repaired. 

Regulations implementing the EU-wide rules came into effect last month. 

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has now published advice for consumers who want to get products repaired, along with guidance for businesses trying to understand their obligations under the new law.

The CCPC says that the rules aim to extend the lifespan of products, reduce electronic waste, and promote a 'green’ mindset of maximising the longevity of products. 

Spare parts 

Under the rules, manufacturers must provide readily available information about the availability of repairs – including what spare parts are available and for how long, if repairs are carried out directly or through a repair partner, and estimated costs. 

The CCPC advice points out that consumers can get a repair quote before they commit to a repair. 

If a fault is not clear from its description, an assessment may be required to identify the fault and provide an accurate repair quote. The consumer can be charged for this assessment. 

Beyond repair 

Manufacturers can refuse to repair something if it is beyond repair or if spare parts are no longer available. The CCPC adds, however, that they cannot refuse the repair just because a different repairer has made previous fixes. 

The new repair rules mean manufacturers must provide repairs and spare parts for certain products when there is a problem due to misuse, accidental damage, or normal wear and tear. 

The rules initially apply to 11 types of important consumer products, with more to be added in the future. The current product list includes: 

• Washing machines and washer-dryers, 
• Tumble dryers, 
• Dishwashers, 
• Fridges and freezers, 
• Vacuum cleaners, 
• TVs and electronic displays, 
• External hard drives and other data storage devices, 
• Mobile phones, cordless phones and tablets, 
• E-bikes, e-scooters, e-mopeds, and other products that use light transport batteries, 
• Welding equipment (for DIY use), and 
• Domestic local space heaters.