Proposed EU Rule Would Let Users Get Their Old Electronics Repaired For 10 Years
The proposed rule would give consumers the right to have their old products repaired by companies for up to 10 years.
The European Union has been at the forefront of forcing companies (read Apple) to standardise the USB Type-C port, with the goal to reduce electronic waste in the long run. Now, the bloc has proposed a new rule that would give more power to consumers.
The proposed rule would give consumers the right to have their old products repaired by companies for up to 10 years. This would include heavy electronics like washing machines and televisions even past the sales guarantee expiration.
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What does the EU proposal say?
European Commission's proposed rules were revealed on Wednesday, and would make it compulsory for companies to offer repairs for a product between 5-10 years after it was sold. This would apply to refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, vacuum cleaners, and other electronics that are considered repairable under EU law.
All products would then become compulsorily repairable for companies, even if the legal guarantee becomes void. Lawmakers are currently hoping to extend this requirement to smartphones and tablets.
Also read: India To Standardise USB Type-C On All Electronics, Including iPhones
If enforced, this rule would help tackle electronic waste in Europe, where goods that can be repaired are routinely thrown away, as shown in a 2020 survey by Germany's environment agency.
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In many cases, the benefits of buying a new product outweigh the benefits of having to repair them. The new EU rules would force companies to repair a malfunctioning product for free within two years, if the cost of repair is equal or less than replacing the product.
Also read: iPhone Will Finally Get USB Type-C, Confirms Apple
Beyond this date, companies would still have to offer repairs - for free or for a charge. In addition, the EU wants to launch an online service that can help consumers find local repairers. In turn, they think this will help keep costs low.
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Another law proposed by the European Commission would require companies to verify claims of their products being environmentally-friendly.
What do you think about this move? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
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