The directive, approved in May 2024 and effective from July 2026, mandates manufacturers to repair damaged products, provide consumers with forms detailing timelines and estimated costs, and extend the legal warranty by one year after the repair in an effort to stimulate the circular economy.
Rosário Tereso, head of Enforcement and International Relations at Deco, noted that consumers are willing to make sustainable choices but face “high prices, early obsolescence, and ‘greenwashing’ by some brands,” which complicates the decision-making process.
“If the cost of the repair reaches around 30%, consumers choose replacement over repair,” she stated during a debate on sustainable consumption organized by the Portuguese Association of the Electrical and Electronic Industry (AGEFE). She further mentioned that the legislation fails to address “two main obstacles”: the cost of parts and the duration of procedures.
Deco believes that the right to repair will only be effective if conditions are created for it to be a simple and accessible option, particularly through financial support similar to that in countries like Germany or Austria.
The repair sector also highlighted weaknesses in the current model. Bruno Ferreira, co-CEO of Afontec, emphasized the need for mandatory certification for technicians and criticized the unfair competition from illegal workshops.
“Not just anyone can open a device and handle the wiring,” stated the head of the electronics service company, noting that many parts can cost more than 100% of a new device’s value, making repairs unfeasible.
From the retail perspective, Jorge Lopes, president of Euronics in Portugal, argued that repair should be “the first option” presented to consumers but stressed that it is essential to ensure transparency in the time and cost of services.
Luís Castro, senior service manager at Samsung, emphasized that manufacturers are investing in solutions to reduce costs and speed up diagnostics. “Today, we have diagnostics assisted by artificial intelligence and techniques that make repair more efficient and accessible,” he said.
