Repair law: German consumer protection ministers focus on the EU directive

Repair law: German consumer protection ministers focus on the EU directive

Since spring, consumers have had the right to repairs according to an EU directive. There is currently no German law on this. The consumer protection ministers will address the right to repair at their meeting in Konstanz. Elke Salzmann from the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations criticizes the measures planned by the EU in the SWR Tagestalk as “inadequate”: “There is a risk that this right to repair will become a deceptive package that does not provide any relief for consumers.” As an example, Salzmann cites the high prices for repairs that the EU has not addressed. “We know from numerous surveys that it is the high costs compared to buying new that deter consumers from repairs.”

Right to Repair: A Critical Look

The EU directive giving consumers the right to repair is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. However, the criticism from Elke Salzmann from the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations does not go unnoticed. In fact, high repair costs, which are not addressed by the EU, may continue to be a barrier for consumers to have their products repaired. This could ultimately lead to the right to repair not delivering the expected benefits for consumers.

The fact that there is currently no German law on this topic also leaves many questions unanswered. It is crucial that consumer advocacy groups and the government work together to create consumer-friendly laws that take into account the real needs of consumers.

According to a report by www.swr.de,