The end of disposable equipment? The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection wants to reward customers for repairs

The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection is working on changes to regulations that are intended to encourage customers to repair their equipment instead of replacing it with a new one. The draft amendment to the Consumer Rights Act provides, among other things, to extend the seller’s liability period by an additional year in the event of choosing to repair the product.

The planned regulations are intended to implement the EU directive known as “Right to Repair”. European Union member states must adapt their regulations to the new requirements by July 31, 2026.

Right to repair

The aim of the new regulations is to increase interest in repairing goods instead of prematurely throwing them away and buying new devices. According to the assumptions, this is to help reduce consumer spending and remove barriers that hinder the use of repair services.

The project assumes that the possibility of repair will become one of the elements of compliance of the goods with the contract if the seller declares the repairability of the product. At the same time, the customer will receive an additional incentive in the form of extension of protection by 12 months.

An additional year of protection for the consumer

According to the proposal, if a consumer files a complaint and decides to repair instead of replacing the product, the seller’s liability period will be extended once by one year. Sellers will have to inform customers about the choice between repair and replacement and the consequences of each decision.

The project also provides for the possibility of replacing defective goods with a refurbished product, provided that the consumer consents. The solution is to increase the use of refurbished equipment and reduce the number of thrown away devices.

New obligations for producers

The regulations being prepared are to impose on producers the obligation to repair goods at the request of the consumer, if technically possible. Companies will also have to inform about the conditions of repair, the right to obtain it and the approximate costs of such services.

Manufacturers will be able to provide the customer with replacement equipment for the duration of the repair. If repair proves impossible, they will be able to offer a refurbished product. In addition, spare parts and repair tools are to be offered at prices that do not discourage the repair of devices.

What devices will be covered by the regulations?

The new obligations will apply to, among others, manufacturers of washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, dryers, mobile phones, refrigeration appliances, electronic displays, servers, welding equipment, and electric bicycles and scooters. These products are designed to facilitate repair and use of spare parts.

The project also envisages the creation of the Polish part of the European online repair platform. Consumers will be able to search for repair service providers for free, and companies will be able to post information about their offers. Penalties of up to PLN 20,000 are provided for violating the new regulations. PLN, and in case of repeated infringement up to PLN 40,000. zloty. The planned date of adoption of the project by the government is the third quarter of 2026.