Right to repair

In short: The right to repair is meant to make devices usable for longer by obliging manufacturers to provide spare parts, manuals and repairs on fair terms.

In more detail: In the EU, ecodesign rules apply to smartphones, tablets, washing machines, fridges and more: spare parts must be available for several years, repairs possible without special tools, and repair information accessible. An EU directive also obliges manufacturers to offer repairs outside the statutory guarantee.

In Depth

• Glued batteries, special screws, software locks: They prevent repairs and are criticised.
• Repairability index: France awards repair scores from 1 to 10 for devices.
• Repairing yourself: guides from iFixit, spare parts from specialist shops. Open batteries and mains voltage only with knowledge.
• Warranty: Replacement by third parties can affect the manufacturer’s warranty, the statutory guarantee remains (statutory guarantee).
• E-waste: Do not put old devices in household waste but take them to collection points (e-waste and disposal).

See also: Warranty and statutory guarantee, E-waste and disposal