A European Union directive granting consumers the right to repair household and electronic goods took effect in Italy on July 31, part of a broader bloc-wide push to curb the throwaway culture that generates 35 million tonnes of electronic waste annually.
The rules oblige manufacturers — including Asian and American brands — to supply spare parts for appliances ranging from washing machines to smartphones, with availability guaranteed for up to a decade for white goods and seven years for phones. Smartphone makers may no longer use software or hardware locks to block third-party repairs. Repairs within warranty extend liability by one year, and an online platform for reuse and repair must launch by July 2027.
Czechia has not transposed the directive into national law by the deadline. In Germany, environmental group Deutsche Umwelthilfe criticised the absence of a dedicated enforcement authority and deterrent sanctions.