Irish consumers anxious to repair washing machines, phones, vacuum cleaners and other household goods rather than replace them when they break down are being given new rights and supports under EU-wide rules coming into force today.
The aim of the EU repair directive is to encourage longer product lifespans and reduce the need for premature replacement of goods while tackling a waste mountain that grows by million of tonnes each year as a result of the premature discarding of consumer goods.
Under the new “right-to-repair” rules, makers of products in certain categories will have to offer a repair service if their goods develop faults outside of the typical guarantee window.
Consumers will be able to request repairs directly from the makers at a reasonable price and in a reasonable time frame.
Household and electronic products such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, mobile phones and tablets are covered by the new regulations.
Consumers will be given assistance in locating repair providers through a national repair platform linked to the wider European repair network.
The repair directory repairmystuff.ie is being developed to serve as Ireland’s national repair platform.
The new rules also aim to improve transparency through the European repair information form, which will allow consumers to receive clear and consistent information on repair services and compare offers.
The Government said that as well as supporting consumers, the new regulations would create opportunities for businesses by supporting the growth of Ireland’s repair sector and circular economy and increasing visibility for repairers through the national repair platform.
Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke said the regulations would “make it easier for consumers to choose repair over replacement, while also creating opportunities for Irish businesses operating in the repair and refurbishment sector”.
He added that the Government had “sought to strike the right balance between supporting consumers, encouraging sustainable economic activity and ensuring that businesses are not faced with unnecessary regulatory burdens. Repair should be an accessible, practical and affordable option for consumers, and these regulations help make that a reality”.
Environment Minister Darragh O’Brien said the new regulations would be “important in helping to meet our climate goals by realigning how we produce, consume and value materials”. He suggested they could help Ireland to “emerge as a European leader in circular economy innovation – designing out waste, reducing our reliance on the extraction of raw materials to reduce emission to secure a cleaner, fairer, lower‑carbon future”.
Minister of State with special responsibility for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon described the regulations as an “important step in Ireland’s transition to a more circular economy”.