Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 3 hrs ago
Italy introduces repair rights for phones and household appliances
Italy has introduced a right to repair certain phones and appliances, including smartphones, tablets, washing machines and vacuum cleaners.
The rules implement a 2024 European Union directive aimed at making repairs easier and reducing waste.
Manufacturers must repair covered products when it is technically possible, even after the legal guarantee expires, and make parts and tools available at reasonable prices.
If a consumer chooses repair instead of replacement while the product is under guarantee, the seller's responsibility period extends by 12 months.
The European Commission estimates the rules could save EU residents €12 billion a year and reduce electronic waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Reports differ on whether the rules take effect on October 22 or 23, and a European online platform to help people find repair services is due by July 2027.
Italy’s right-to-repair rules take effect on 22 October 2026, requiring repairs for certain products even after the legal guarantee expires.
The rules cover selected phones, tablets, household appliances and electronic displays, and aim to make repairs easier and reduce waste.
Manufacturers must repair covered products when technically possible, free or at a reasonable price and within a reasonable time.
Consumers who choose repair instead of replacement under the legal guarantee receive an extra 12 months of seller responsibility.
A European online platform to help people find repairers and sellers of refurbished products is due by 31 July 2027.
- Who
- Consumers in Italy and manufacturers of covered products.
- What
- New rules require repair of certain products, including outside the legal guarantee, when repair is technically possible.
- When
- The rules take effect on 22 October 2026.
- Where
- Italy, under rules implementing a 2024 European Union directive.
- Why
- To extend the life of consumer goods, reduce waste and emissions, and counter planned obsolescence.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Italy’s right-to-repair rules take effect.
A European online platform to help people find repairers and sellers of refurbished products is due to be established.
- Effective date
- 22 October 2026
- Products
- Smartphones, tablets, washing machines, washer-dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, televisions, displays and vacuum cleaners
- Guarantee extension
- 12 additional months when consumers choose repair under the legal guarantee
- European platform deadline
- 31 July 2027
- Estimated annual savings
- €12 billion for European citizens
- Estimated waste reduction
- 35 million tonnes of electronic waste
3 sources
What people are saying
Le nuove norme non solo riducono la produzione di rifiuti, ma contrastano l'odioso fenomeno dell'obsolescenza programmata, spingendo i fabbricanti a realizzare prodotti che durino di più nel tempo
Il diritto alla riparazione rende evidente ciò che il mercato sta già dimostrando: il post-vendita non è un costo da gestire, ma una leva strategica.