European Union reinforces the importance of equipment repair with new rules and innovations

The EU has decided to strengthen its position on reducing the environmental impact of mass consumption and has implemented new measures to encourage consumers to repair equipment instead of buying new. With the proposal made in the European Parliament, consumers will be encouraged to repair faulty products rather than buying new ones and avoiding an increase in the production of electronic waste.

The new rules will mean that sellers will be obliged to carry out repairs before replacing a product and will only be able to replace it if it cannot be repaired. Even so, in the case of replacement, they advise offering reconditioned products. In a joint vote, MEPs also proposed that a product's legal guarantee be extended by one year after it has been repaired.

What about the consumer's waiting time while the equipment is repaired?

In order to make repairs more attractive than buying a new product, MEPs also said that sellers should offer replacement products while equipment is being repaired.

What are the main reasons why consumers prefer new equipment to repairs?

In addition to the high costs, there are still not many vendors or companies specializing in repairs. With this issue on the table, the European Parliament wants to make access to spare parts, information and repair tools easier and cheaper for independent repair companies and end users. There will also be digital platforms that show consumers the nearest repair stores and offer vouchers and financial incentives for them to opt for repair.

Currently, the waste and production of electronic waste is around 35 million tons per year, which corresponds to pollution of around 30 million carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, it has been estimated that consumers in general who replace repairable products with new ones lose around 12 billion euros a year. Based on studies by the European Commission, the population is willing to repair the products they buy, they just need the right and affordable means to do so!

iServices has always had a futuristic vision in this field, providing consumers of technological products with a place where they can repair their smartphones, tablets, computers and smartwatches. This is the only company in Portugal with 50 physical stores open that are ready to give quick answers to consumers' technological problems. What's more, even for those where repair is no longer a solution, it also sells refurbished phones that are in excellent condition, thus promoting the reduction of the carbon footprint.

When you choose to buy a refurbished phone or repair your equipment at iServices, you also contribute to reducing your carbon footprint and to a more sustainable future.