A first step to improving the circular economy
In the “old days”, our stuff lasted almost forever. My parents had a refrigerator that kept going for 17 years. My childhood TV lasted for about the same time. If my grandparents’ TV broke down (usually on Boxing Day), Radio Rentals sent someone out to fix it. With the advent of fast-paced technological advancement, and brands encouraging people to buy into the latest model as a status symbol, there has been a move towards consuming shiny new gadgets every couple of years instead. No more “make do and mend”. However, consumer trends may be reversing with a greater focus on reducing waste and protecting precious resources. New regulations have been introduced which aim to reduce the amount of appliances and electrical waste being produced. Whilst not aimed at the end consumer, the UK has introduced the Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information Regulations 2021 (the “Ecodesign Regulations”), which have a secondary effect of providing greater rights to repairs and replacements to product end-users. These are based on an EU Directive that was being brought into force through the Brexit period.
A step back in time?
What has changed?
Manufacturers and importers of certain products must make certain types of spare parts available to professional repairers. Consumers are also given greater access to spare parts, but that parts list is not as extensive. Manufacturers and importers must also make more information available on how to carry out repairs to professional repairers. The products that these obligations apply to are:
dishwashers
washer-driers
washing machines
refrigerators and
electronic displays (including televisions)
Since the Ecodesign Regulations say it must be possible to carry out the repairs using commonly available tools, consumers are more able to carry out repairs themselves.
How long must spare parts be made available?
Depending on the product type, spare parts must be made available for minimum periods ranging from 7 to 10 years. This starts when the last unit of a particular model is placed on the market. In practice, this means that consumers may be able to obtain spare parts for longer than the 7-10 year period, depending on when they purchase the product.
There is a grace period of up to two years to make spare parts available. In practice, spare parts will have to be available within two years of an appliance going on sale and up until either seven or ten years after the product has been discontinued, depending on the part. Some parts that involve more difficult repairs will only be available to professional repairers, but others will be available to everyone.
Is this much of a change?
Under the Consumer Rights Act, consumers can get faulty goods repaired or replaced at no cost for up to 6 years following their purchase. However, the purchaser must be able to show that the defect causing the need for repair or replacement was present or arose as a result of the condition of the goods at the time they are purchased. This is very difficult for the average person in the street to show to enforce their rights.
Under the Ecodesign Regulations, the consumer is more likely to either have the faulty appliance professionally repaired or carry out a repair themselves. While the spare part and repair may not be free of charge, the change is a small first step to help consumers drive down waste.
Whilst the Ecodesign Regulations don’t introduce a global right to repair and apply mainly to commercial repairers, they are a first step in the right direction.