After years of negotiations, the EU Right to Repair is becoming reality. The directive requires manufacturers to make repairs easier, cheaper, and more accessible. For consumers in Germany, this means concrete improvements — and a fundamental change for the market of defective electronics.
Key Regulations at a Glance
Spare Parts Must Be Available
Manufacturers are required to provide spare parts for at least 5–10 years after the last sale of a product. This applies to key components like batteries, displays, charging ports, and cameras. Previously, manufacturers could remove spare parts from the market at will.
Repairability Index Becomes Mandatory
For smartphones, tablets, and laptops, a repairability index (rated 1–10) must be displayed at the point of sale. The index evaluates:
- Accessibility of components (how easy is it to open the device?)
- Availability and price of spare parts
- Availability of repair manuals
- Software resettability
France has had this system since 2021 — and the results are positive: manufacturers have measurably improved their devices' repairability to achieve good scores.
Repair Takes Priority Over Replacement
Within the statutory warranty, consumers can now demand repair instead of replacement, provided the repair isn't disproportionately expensive. Previously, the decision was up to the retailer.
Extended Warranty After Repair
If a device is repaired within the warranty period, the warranty extends by 12 months from the time of repair. This makes repairs more attractive and reduces risk for consumers.
What Does This Mean for the Defective Electronics Market?
The Right to Repair will fundamentally change the market for defective devices:
More Spare Parts Available
When manufacturers must stock spare parts for years, independent repair shops and self-repairers will also benefit. Currently, original spare parts for many devices are difficult or impossible to obtain — that's changing.
Defective Devices Become More Valuable
The easier the repair, the more a defective device is worth. An iPhone with a broken display, for which spare parts are guaranteed to be available, is a more attractive purchase than one where parts availability is uncertain.
Refurbishment Becomes More Professional
Refurbishment companies get access to original spare parts and repair manuals. This raises the quality of refurbished devices to a new level and strengthens consumer trust.
What's Still Missing
As positive as the directive is, some gaps remain:
- Software locks: Some manufacturers block component replacement via software (e.g., Apple's display serial number pairing). The directive only partially addresses this.
- Spare parts pricing: The directive requires spare parts to be available — but not affordable. An original display for €300 makes repair uneconomical.
- Gaming consoles and peripherals: Not all product categories are covered from day one. The list of affected devices will be expanded gradually.
What You Can Do as a Consumer
- Prioritize repairability when buying: Look at the repairability index — the higher, the better for you and the environment.
- Don't throw away defective devices: On ampario, you'll find buyers for defective electronics — and the Right to Repair makes these devices even more valuable.
- Demand repair: Exercise your right to repair within the warranty instead of accepting a replacement device.
- Self-repair: With better spare parts availability and official guides, self-repair is easier than ever.
Conclusion
The Right to Repair is a milestone for consumers and the environment. It makes repairs easier, cheaper, and more attractive — and strengthens the market for defective and refurbished electronics. Platforms like ampario benefit directly: the easier the repair, the more attractive buying defective devices becomes.