The ‘right to repair’ law explained
As the government confirms that a new ‘right to repair’ law for electrical appliances will be introduced this summer, we investigate what this means for us
We’ve all heard the phrase “they don’t make things like they used to.” And for a long time that certainly seemed true. On many occasions you, our readers, have told us about appliances that you’ve had for decades with barely a hiccup, from hairdryers to vacuum cleaners.
This stands in stark contrast to some modern-day goods that might only last for a few years or which, when they break, are better value to replace than repair. In fact, according to the Green Alliance, most white goods need to be replaced every seven years while analysis showed that more than ten per cent of thrown-out washing machines were less than five years old.
However, all this could be about to change as government ministers have confirmed that from this summer, consumers will have a right to repair the goods they buy. Applying to many electrical appliances including washing machines, fridge freezers and TVs, this ruling legally obliges manufacturers to make spare parts available for up to a decade for their products.
This means that if our appliance goes on the blink within that time, we can ask for the parts to repair it so it can carry on its useful life, rather than replacing it. It’s thought this will help reduce the 1.5 million tonnes of
Most white goods currently need replacing every seven years, say the Green Alliance
electrical waste generated in the UK every year which contribute to harmful carbon emissions.
Under these rules, appliances will also have to come with repair manuals and be made in such a way that they can be dismantled using everyday tools. Currently appliances are often glued or riveted together so they are almost impossible to repair without highly specialist tools or leaving permanent damage as you try to prise it open.
All of this certainly chimes into a current mood for repairing rather than replacing, fuelled by the likes of TV shows The Repair Shop and Mend It For Money.
As a result, response to the new right to repair law has been largely positive, but there are some questions as to whether it goes far enough.
Ugo Vallauri runs The Restart Project, a charity that in normal times runs community repair parties and works with schools and organisations to teach people how to make things last longer. The charity has been campaigning to change the laws on repairs for years. “This law is a positive step but a small one that does have limitations,” says Ugo.
“One issue is that the regulation doesn’t stop manufacturers bundling spare parts together. This is the practice that, for example, allows manufacturers
to design washing machines with sealed drums, so that while it may only be an inexpensive ball bearing that fails, the customer’s only option is to buy a whole new drum that will be very expensive.”
Indeed, this issue of cost goes even further. Under the new ruling consumers with products still under warranty or guarantee will, of course, be eligible for spare parts for free. But for those out of guarantee, there is no proposed limit on the cost manufacturers can charge for spare parts, nor on the price of the overall appliance which could increase to reflect the fact consumers would be buying a product with a longer lifespan.
Michael Briggs, Head of Sustainability at Which? says, “Time will tell whether this legislation will result in companies charging higher prices on products. But if it does, consumers would have to
New ruling legally obliges manufacters to make spare parts available for up to a decade for their products
bear in mind that a product that lasts longer will represent better value in the long term.”
What’s more, with this law, certain spare parts will only be available to professional repairers.
This is to ensure the parts are installed correctly and safely but would of course involve additional fitting costs for the consumer.
Another suggested limitation of the ruling is that it does not apply to smartphones, laptops and other small electrical devices, although Michael from Which? points out this is more complicated because personal technology requires companies to provide security support and software updates as well as just spare parts.
Nevertheless, for all the potential gaps in the new law, Michael is optimistic it will get everyone thinking differently about electrical appliances.
“Up until now most people tend to buy new rather than repair, but that is sometimes a misconception as not all repairs are costly and sometimes you might not even need a spare part, just maintenance and care,” says Michael. “I think an increased awareness of the environmental impact of over-consumption will change how people weigh up the convenience, cost and wider impact of repairing versus replacing.”