Get involved: Tell the EU you are tired of wasting money and resources on products that are impossible to repair.
Every day we buy products that don’t last as long as we would like, wasting money and depleting the world of finite resources.
Weak batteries, faulty gadgets, flickering displays. We’d like to fix them, but instead end up buying new products because repair costs are too high and manufacturers don’t make spare parts easily available.
Why can’t we just have better products for people and the planet?
Well, today we can. But we need your help telling EU law makers that we demand our right to repair without delays.
We, Coolproducts campaigners across Europe, have submitted our response to a public consultation on the introduction of requirements that would make it easier to fix computers and laptops, TVs, fridges, washing machines, dishwashers and lamps.
We encourage you to submit your own response, taking inspiration from our answers. You can have a look below to see how we responded to the multiple choice questions and final comment.
The louder our voice, the more chance we have to end one of the world’s most sinister business practices.
Below is our statement, which can be used as your response to the final question at the bottom of the consultation. Take as much as you want and edit it or translate it as you please.
Manufacturers should be legally obliged to share repair information and instructions so that consumers know if a product is repairable before purchasing it.
Consumers must then have the right to decide who should repair the things they own. Local repair shops may offer a cheaper and quicker fix compared to original manufacturers, but consumers are currently prevented from acting in their own interests because many manufacturers do not fully support independent repair shops with the necessary information, software/firmware and tools.
Mandatory design requirements must ensure that the key components of a product are easily accessible so that they can be replaced if they break. Spare parts and repair tools should become widely available at reasonable costs and for an appropriate period of time.
Moreover, the work of repairers would be easier if different manufacturers designed key components in a standardised way (e.g. interchangeable washing machine motors across different brands).
Similarly, manufacturers should make software updates available so that products such as home appliances, computers and televisions can be upgraded rather than replaced with new hardware.
Timing is critical. Any further delay in the implementation of repair rules would be a missed opportunity for consumers and the planet. Now it’s time for the EU to deliver on its promise to accelerate the transition to a circular economy through better eco-design and repair.
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