Germany passes right to repair law for electronics and appliances
The Bundestag approved legislation giving consumers a legal right to have smartphones, washing machines and other devices repaired at a fair price, even after the warranty expires.
What the law changes
The Bundestag passed legislation on Thursday evening giving consumers a legal right to have certain electronic devices and household appliances repaired. The law implements an EU directive and applies to products such as washing machines, smartphones, tablets, refrigerators, dryers, and e-bikes. Manufacturers must now repair these items during their usual lifespan at a "reasonable price", even after the warranty expires. They are also required to design devices so that repairs are possible, for example, batteries must be replaceable and software must not block third-party fixes. Manufacturers can no longer mandate the use of original spare parts.
Incentives for consumers
To encourage repair over replacement, the law extends the statutory warranty period by 12 months, from two to three years, if a consumer chooses to have a defective product repaired within the original warranty. This extension applies to all consumer goods, not only the listed device categories. During a repair, the seller may provide a free replacement device. The law also sets minimum periods for spare parts availability: seven years after a smartphone model is discontinued, and ten years for washing machines and dryers.
Industry and consumer reactions
This strengthens consumers and leads to more sustainability. Instead of a throwaway culture, we need a new culture of repairing.
The Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) welcomed the reform but urged a manufacturer-financed repair bonus to make repairs more attractive. The Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) criticised the law's vague wording, particularly the undefined "reasonable price". The vzbv proposed a catalogue of criteria for spare part pricing and a maximum repair delivery time of five days, citing surveys that repair costs above 30 to 40 percent of the new purchase price deter consumers.Whoever uses their smartphone, tablet or laptop longer saves money, avoids electronic waste and conserves resources.
Implementation timeline
The law still requires approval from the Bundesrat, the upper house of parliament. If passed, most provisions will take effect at the end of July 2026. The right to demand a repair will apply even to devices bought before that date. However, the obligation to manufacture repairable devices and the extended warranty will only cover products purchased from 31 July 2026 onward. New rules for business-to-business contracts will come into force on 31 December 2027.
- Bundestag passes right to repair law
- Law expected to take effect (subject to Bundesrat approval)
- Business contract rules apply
