The German Federal Ministry of Justice, under the leadership of SPD politician Stefanie Hubig, is accelerating efforts to transpose the European Union’s “Right to Repair” directive into national law before the end of July. The proposed legislation, detailed in a report by the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, aims to fundamentally reshape the electronics manufacturing landscape by compelling producers to provide repair services for devices like smartphones, washing machines and refrigerators at reasonable prices, alongside ensuring readily available spare parts.
The draft law establishes tiered requirements based on product type, mandating availability of parts for washing machines and tumble dryers for a decade after production end-of-life and a minimum of seven years for smartphones. Beyond mere provision of parts, the initiative seeks to incentivize inherently repairable product designs, directly addressing the prevalent trend of planned obsolescence. Notably, the directive prohibits software restrictions intended to obstruct repairs and permits the use of non-original components during servicing.
The implications of the legislation are considerable. Consumers will gain a right to repair products even beyond the expiry of standard warranty periods, coupled with access to necessary replacement parts. Critically, products deemed irreparable could be legally classified as defective, potentially triggering a consumer’s entitlement to a replacement device – a significant shift in liability. Furthermore, the duration of warranty rights could be extended when repair is chosen over replacement.
While proponents, including Hubig, frame the move as a crucial step towards a more circular economy (“The throwaway society has no future”) and a vital contribution to a repair culture, the initiative is not without dissent. Concerns have been raised about the potential for adding bureaucratic burdens to German businesses, a suggestion Hubig swiftly dismissed, emphasizing the directive’s intention for a straightforward, “1:1” implementation. The claim that “repairing is better than discarding” is echoed but remains to be tested in practice, particularly regarding the logistical and economic viability for manufacturers, especially smaller enterprises.
The draft legislation is currently undergoing internal governmental review, with a deadline of February 13th for feedback from regional authorities, industry associations and relevant stakeholders. Government officials anticipate parliamentary approval in the first half of 2026, positioning the law to be fully operational by July 31, 2026. However, the long-term effectiveness of the initiative hinges not only on its legal framework but also on its real-world impact on product design, repair accessibility and the overall willingness of both manufacturers and consumers to embrace a more sustainable approach to electronics.
