Circular Economy - R2R: Council of the EU adopts position on a directive that enshrines consumers’ right to repair
Circular Economy - R2R / The Council has today adopted its position (or 'negotiating mandate') on a proposed directive on common rules promoting the repair of goods, also known as the right-to-repair (or R2R) directive

The Council has today adopted its position (or 'negotiating mandate') on a proposed directive on common rules promoting the repair of goods, also known as the right-to-repair (or R2R) directive. The proposed text aims to remove obstacles that discourage consumers from seeking repair, such as inconvenience, lack of transparency or difficult access to repair services.
The mandate clarifies manufacturers' repair obligations, limits the requirement to provide information on repair services to those that have a legal obligation to fix defective products, promotes a European online repair platform and introduces an extension of the liability period of the seller in case of repair.
Easier to repair and reuse
Very often, when a product such as a vacuum cleaner or a washing machine breaks or is defective it is easier to dispose of it and buy a new one than have it repaired, especially when the legal guarantee has expired. The new legislation creates incentives for consumers to prolong the life of the product by having it repaired, which in turn will boost the repair sector, reduce waste and promote more sustainable business models.
A new set of rights and tools will be available for consumers to make repair more attractive. In particular:
- the right for consumers to claim repair for products that are technically repairable under EU law (for instance, washing machines or mobile phones)
- an obligation for producers to inform consumers about the products that they are legally obliged to repair
- a European repair information form which consumers can request from any repairer, bringing transparency to repair conditions and prices
- an online repair matchmaking platform to connect consumers with repairers in their area
- an extension of six months of th