Your Right to Repair
Right to Repair is government legislation that allows consumers the ability to repair and modify their own consumer products, where otherwise the manufacturer would require the consumer to use only their services by restricting access to tools and components, or software barriers put in place to hinder independent repair or modification.
What is Right to Repair?
It’s pretty much exactly what it says on the tin, giving consumers the right to have goods they’ve purchased repaired, either by themselves or a third party. Some manufacturers would rather they controlled the repair process themselves, this would allow them to dictate the price and even just provide you with a replacement if they deem fit.
The law also negates planned obsolescence, where goods sold have a dictated life-span with no method of repair available. It’s seen as an intentional strategy by companies to have you buy something new instead of maintaining and repairing items that are otherwise perfectly serviceable. Planned obsolescence is also bad for the environment, e-waste has risen by 21% in the period between 2014 and 2019, totalling 53m tons. This new legislation is beneficial for the consumer and the environment.
You have the right to…
Lookup manuals and guides on how to repair your appliance
Purchase official or OEM parts to repair your device with
Repair your own appliances or allow a third party to repair them for you
What is the aim
of Right to Repair?
The new legislation aims to extend the lifespan of devices and appliances by up to 10 years!
Additionally, the new laws aim to reduce the overall power consumption of products. The latest products on sale to consumers have higher efficiency standards that will help to lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
What isn’t covered by Right to Repair?
The new right to repair law doesn’t cover all electronic devices and appliances, however, so many people may find themselves disappointed.
The legislation currently covers dishwashers, washing machines and washer-dryers, refrigeration appliances as well as televisions and electronic displays. Some non-consumer products are also included, like electric motors, retail refrigerators, light sources and more.
However, despite what you might assume, “electronic displays” does not cover smartphones and laptops – shielding Apple from these laws in the UK. It’s not just these popular gadgets that aren’t included either, with cookers, microwaves, hobs and tumble dryers all missing from the list, too.
What products are currently covered
Along with televisions and other electronic displays, these are the only product categories that are currently covered by the UK’s right to repair legislation
