Germany is implementing an EU directive that gives you the right to have your electronics and household appliances repaired at a reasonable price. The Bundestag held the first reading (erste Lesung) of the draft law on May 20, 2026. The implementation deadline set by the EU is July 31, 2026.
What the right-to-repair law means for you
The EU issued a repair directive (Reparaturrichtlinie, officially EU Directive 2024/1799) in 2024. Germany must now write it into national law.
Once in force, manufacturers of the following products will be legally required to repair them during their normal expected lifespan at a price that is reasonable:
- Washing machines and tumble dryers
- Dishwashers
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Vacuum cleaners
- Mobile phones and tablets
- Printers and computers
- E-scooters and e-bikes
This list comes directly from the EU directive.
How the electronic and household appliances repair claim works
- The reform will give you the right to ask the manufacturer to carry out a repair at a fair price. It applies even once the warranty is over.
- A new European Repair Information Form will also be introduced. Repair shops can voluntarily offer you this form. The form mentions the repair costs, timelines, and options before you commit to anything.
- The draft also includes amendments to the German Civil Code introduction law to incorporate this form.
NOTE: The law has not been passed. After the first reading on May 20, 2026, the Bundestag referred the bill to the Committee for Law and Consumer Protection for further review. A final vote is expected before the EU deadline of July 31, 2026.
What you should do
- Keep documentation of your appliances, including purchase dates and serial numbers. You’ll need these when requesting a repair under the new rules.
- Once the law is in force, if a manufacturer refuses to repair a listed product at a reasonable price, you can escalate the issue through consumer protection authorities (Verbraucherschutzbehörden) or the consumer advice center (Verbraucherzentrale).
