New EU repair rules make fixing appliances cheaper and easier for Dutch consumers
From 2026, Dutch consumers can save money by repairing electrical appliances like washing machines and smartphones instead of replacing them. A new EU-backed law obliges manufacturers to offer affordable repairs, even after warranty expires, promoting sustainability and a circular economy.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | 2026 |
| Applicable Products | Washing machines, smartphones, televisions, vacuum cleaners, e-scooters |
| Repair Obligation | Manufacturers must repair products outside warranty period for a fee |
| Spare Parts | Manufacturers must supply spare parts to consumers or repairers |
| Online Platform | Nationaal Reparateurs Register |
| EU Directive | Implementation of EU Directive on promoting repair |
| Government Body | Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (Minister Herbert) |
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate is responsible for shaping policies that promote sustainable consumption and economic growth in the Netherlands. This bill aligns with EU directives aimed at reducing waste and fostering a circular economy by making repairs more accessible to consumers.
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Easier and more affordable repairs for electrical appliances for consumers
Repairing electrical products instead of replacing or buying new ones. That is the goal of the repair obligation for manufacturers that will come into effect during 2026. It concerns electronics that consumers use frequently, such as washing machines, smartphones, televisions, vacuum cleaners, and certain electric scooters/bikes. Manufacturers may charge a reasonable fee for a repair.
The Council of Ministers has, on the proposal of Minister Herbert of Economic Affairs and Climate, approved a bill to make the repair of electrical appliances for consumers easier and more affordable.
Minister Herbert: “Consumers will soon be able to save money by using their products for longer. The repair obligation leads to uniform market rules across the entire European Union when it comes to promoting sustainable consumption and the circular economy. In addition, this bill can create a repair market. In this case, manufacturers can receive a reasonable fee.”
When to contact the seller, when to contact the manufacturer?
The repair obligation for manufacturers applies if a product breaks down outside the legal warranty period. If a product breaks down earlier than could reasonably be expected, you as a consumer can still go to the seller. The seller must then repair it free of charge based on the legal warranty period. If a product is no longer covered by the warranty, you can now more easily turn to the manufacturer for repair under this bill.
Supplying spare parts and online platform to promote repair
Manufacturers will soon be required by the proposed legislation to supply certain spare parts to consumers or repairers. They may also not prevent repairs, for example by including this in terms and conditions or by using certain hardware or software techniques. There is already a Dutch online platform where people can find repairers. Repairers can register on nationaalreparateursregister.nl if they meet the quality requirements.
This involves the implementation of the EU Directive on the promotion of repair in the Netherlands. The bill has now been sent to the Council of State for advice and will then be submitted to the House of Representatives and the Senate for consideration.