Directive (EU) 2024/1799: the articulation of a "right to reparation of goods" that leaves much to be desired

Abstract

The European Commission shows that goods that can be repaired, but are disposed of prematurely, generate 35 million tons of waste; they use 30 million tons of resources; and produce 261 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year in the EU. In addition, the calculation of losses for consumers who opt for replacement rather than repair is estimated at almost 12,000 million euros per year.

To restore ecosystems, improve human health and guarantee the rights of consumers, it is necessary to reduce, reuse and promote the manufacture of goods that are easier to repair in order to achieve greater efficiency in the use of resources and minimize the generation of waste.

The EU institutions insist on the importance of improving the durability of goods as a key factor for sustainability, so it is appropriate to assess whether, within the new regulatory framework, the recent Directive (EU) 2024/1799 is configured as an effective tool to encourage longer use of products, promote repair both within and outside the framework of conformity guarantees and move towards more sustainable production and consumption patterns.

The regulatory approach, at least in theory, is to face the barriers that deter consumers from repairing, so it is necessary to address the extent to which the lines of action and sustainability objectives proposed at the Community level permeate the new Directive aimed at promoting the repair of goods, analyzing whether or not the measures adopted are adequate to achieve the objectives indicated.