Gadget users from Europe were offered an alternative

The European Union (EU) has adopted a Right to Repair directive that will make it easier to service consumer electronics. This was reported by Engadget.

The EU decision extends product warranties and also forces manufacturers to repair devices they previously refused to service. The law must still be approved by member states before it comes into force.

According to media journalists, gadgets sold in Europe are already covered by a two-year warranty. However, the user has an alternative – the manufacturer must offer him a free replacement of the defective device with a new one. If the consumer chooses repair, the warranty period for the device will be extended for another year.

The EU said repairs must be offered at a reasonable price so that “consumers are not deliberately deterred” from them. Regulators will also ensure that electronics manufacturers do not try to shirk their responsibility to serve customers. Also, the manufacturer of the equipment must perform repairs even if the product was previously repaired by someone else.

The EU believes the new rules will help consumers save money, reduce e-waste, CO2 emissions and more.

In early February, it became known that manufacturers of smartphones and other gadgets for the European market must provide an additional year of warranty for their products. The EU said that in this way the region will not only reduce the amount of waste, but also create new jobs.