The European Union has adopted new right-to-repair rules that will make it easier and more cost-effective to repair broken devices. This will ‘empower consumers in the fight against climate change’ and bolster the repair sector.

The rules clarify what manufacturers must do regarding the repair of broken products in a bid to encourage individuals to extend the lifecycle of their existing products rather than merely replacing them with something new.

While the EU already requires manufacturers to offer a two-year minimum warranty on products, under the new rules goods repaired under warranty will benefit from an additional one-year extension of the warranty.

Even after the warrant ends, manufacturers are still required to repair common household products that are technically repairable under EU law, such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners and smartphones.

Consumers may also borrow a device while theirs is being repaired or, if it cannot be fixed, opt for a refurbished unit as an alternative...