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New EU rules could save you hundreds on broken phones and other gadgets
Manufacturers throughout Spain will have to offer repairs for many devices even after the warranty has expired
Throwing away a faulty phone or replacing a washing machine simply because it's out of warranty is about to become a thing of the past.
From Friday July 31, new EU 'right to repair' rules will strengthen consumers' rights by making it easier to get a wide range of electronic devices repaired, even after their legal guarantee has expired.
The changes apply to products including mobile phones, tablets, televisions, monitors and many household appliances, with manufacturers now expected to offer repairs whenever it's technically possible rather than encouraging customers to buy a replacement.
The new rules are also designed to make repairs more straightforward. Manufacturers will have to provide spare parts, tools and technical information needed to fix eligible products, helping both their own repair services and independent technicians keep devices running for longer.
Another major change is that companies will no longer be able to refuse to repair a product simply because it has previously been fixed by an independent repair shop or because compatible replacement parts have been used instead of the manufacturer's own components.
The European Union hopes the new legislation will make repairs a more attractive option by ensuring they're carried out within a reasonable timeframe and at a fair price. The aim is to help consumers save money, reduce electronic waste and cut the number of perfectly repairable devices ending up in landfill.
The latest changes build on a series of EU measures aimed at making electronics last longer. Earlier rules already required manufacturers to make spare parts available for many products and design them so they're easier to repair and recycle. The EU is also introducing new rules from 2027 that will require smartphones sold in Europe to have batteries that users can replace themselves, making repairs even simpler.
Image: Freepik
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