7 Practical Tips to Exercise Your Right to Repair in 2026 (US and EU)
In 2026, consumers in the US and EU find it simpler to demand repairs for electronics and appliances, thanks to stronger enforcement and fresh regulations. US FTC settlements from 2022 open access to parts for grills, motorcycles, and outdoor power equipment, while FTC-DOJ comments back DMCA exemptions that enable wider device repairs. In the EU, Directive (EU) 2024/1799 requires member states to adopt repair obligations by July 31, 2026, obliging manufacturers to supply repair information and services for items such as smartphones and washing machines.
Here are seven steps, informed by these advances, to make repairs smoother:
- Check FTC-backed settlements (US): Reference 2022 agreements for products like grills and motorcycles to demand parts and manuals from manufacturers.
- Invoke DMCA exemptions (US): Use exemptions renewed with FTC-DOJ support to bypass software locks on devices.
- Request the EU Repair Information Form: Ask manufacturers for standardized repair terms, prices, and availability, especially post-warranty.
- Opt for repair over replacement (EU): Choose fixes to extend legal guarantee coverage where rules suspend it during repairs.
- Verify ecodesign obligations (EU): For washing machines and smartphones, confirm post-warranty repair duties under upcoming national laws.
- Anticipate 2026 transposition (EU): By July 31, monitor your country's implementation of the R2R Directive for repairability scores on smartphones and tablets.
- Compare authorized vs independent repair: Weigh manufacturer services against independents using non-original parts where allowed, like in Germany's draft rules.
These steps cut replacement costs by building on FTC enforcement and EU timelines.
Understand the US Right to Repair Landscape Backed by FTC and DOJ
The FTC has pushed back against repair restrictions via workshops and enforcement actions. Its FTC-DOJ comment to the US Copyright Office in 2024 endorses renewing and expanding DMCA exemptions. Following a 2019 workshop called Nixing the Fix, a 2021 report, and a mid-2021 policy statement, the agency reached 2022 settlements that ease repairs for grills, motorcycles, and outdoor power equipment.
These efforts give consumers and businesses leverage to obtain parts, tools, and diagnostics from manufacturers. They promote competition for more affordable fixes. Even without a federal law matching EU standards, these FTC and DOJ initiatives remain effective in 2026.
Key Developments in the EU Right to Repair Directive for 2026
Directive (EU) 2024/1799 took effect on July 30, 2024, with member states needing to transpose it by July 31, 2026. Amending the Sale of Goods Directive, it encourages repairs over replacements. The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will introduce repairability scores and labels for smartphones and tablets after 2026.
Germany's Federal Ministry of Justice proposed a draft law in January 2026 to enact these rules. It would compel manufacturers of washing machines, refrigerators, and smartphones to provide repairs at reasonable prices for 7-10 years--the normal service life--even for pre-2026 purchases. Non-original parts qualify unless intellectual property rights block them. Track transposition in your member state by July 31, 2026. For details, see the EU Commission page and Hogan Lovells analysis on Germany's draft.
US vs EU Right to Repair: Progress and What It Means for Your Repairs
US and EU consumers navigate distinct routes. The US draws on agency actions and exemptions, whereas the EU requires national laws. This table outlines the differences to guide your approach:
| Aspect | US (FTC/DOJ) | EU (R2R Directive/ESPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Timelines | 2019 workshop, 2021 report/policy, 2022 settlements, 2024 DMCA comment | Directive force July 2024, transposition by July 31, 2026; Repair Platform 2027 |
| Key Actions | Settlements for repair access (grills, motorcycles); DMCA exemption support | Mandatory repair info disclosure, repairability scores (smartphones/tablets post-2026) |
| Enforcement | FTC policy enforcement, DOJ comments promoting competition | National transposition, ESPR penalties for non-disclosure (post-2026) |
| Repair Access | Parts/tools via settlements/exemptions; no federal mandate | Manufacturer obligations (e.g., Germany 7-10 years); non-original parts allowed |
| Products Covered | Grills, motorcycles, outdoor equipment; broader via DMCA | Washing machines, refrigerators, smartphones; ecodesign items |
US consumers can cite FTC precedents for leverage, while EU ones gear up for mandates like Germany's draft, which reaches beyond warranties.
Actionable Tips to Get Your Devices Repaired Under Right to Repair Rules
These steps suit pre- and post-warranty repairs:
- Request repairs first (EU): Sellers must offer this option, suspending the legal guarantee during the process in certain countries. Opting for repair can extend coverage.
- Use the standardized Repair Information Form (EU): Submit it to manufacturers for details on repair terms, availability, and costs, as per consumer rules.
- Check post-warranty obligations (EU): For ecodesign products like washing machines and smartphones, verify manufacturer duties under national implementations.
- Demand access in the US: Reference FTC 2022 settlements or DMCA exemptions for parts and software access on electronics.
- Document everything: Keep records of requests to enforce FTC policies or EU transposition rules by July 31, 2026.
- Seek independent repairers: In the EU, use non-original parts where permitted; in the US, leverage competition from exemptions.
They blend FTC enforcement with EU protections for everyday use. See TermoPasty for repairability insights and Right to Repair Europe for 2026 updates. In 2026, try submitting a Repair Information Form or citing FTC settlements with your next repair need.
Choosing Between Repair, Replacement, or Authorized Services in 2026
Consider these 2026 factors when deciding:
- Repair (preferred): Invoke manufacturer duties in Germany (7-10 years post-sale) or EU repairability labels for smartphones/tablets. Use authorized services for warranty alignment or independents for cost savings with non-original parts.
- Replacement: Avoid if repair extends guarantee or meets R2R incentives; better for irreparable items.
- Authorized vs independent: Authorized ensures original parts but may cost more; independents gain from DMCA (US) or EU allowances.
By 2027, the EU Repair Platform under Your Europe will list verified repairers. In the US, FTC-backed competition benefits independents. Review your product's coverage and local rules--such as Germany's draft for appliances. Prioritize repair as 2026 deadlines approach to improve access and lower costs.
FAQ
What has the FTC done to support right to repair?
The FTC held a 2019 workshop, issued a 2021 report and policy statement, and secured 2022 settlements for easier repairs on grills, motorcycles, and outdoor equipment. It also supported DMCA exemptions in a 2024 comment with DOJ.
When does the EU Right to Repair Directive take full effect?
Directive (EU) 2024/1799 entered force July 30, 2024; member states must transpose by July 31, 2026, with measures like repairability scores following.
Can manufacturers in Germany refuse repairs after warranty?
Under the January 2026 draft law, no--they must repair products like washing machines and smartphones for 7-10 years at reasonable prices, including pre-2026 purchases.
How do DMCA exemptions help with device repairs in the US?
Supported by the 2024 FTC-DOJ comment, they allow bypassing software locks, enabling consumers and repair businesses to access diagnostics and fixes more easily.
What is the EU Repair Platform and when will it launch?
The European Commission will establish it by July 31, 2027, under Your Europe, to connect consumers with repair services.
Should I repair or replace my smartphone under new rules?
Repair if covered by post-2026 EU repairability scores or manufacturer obligations; it aligns with R2R incentives over replacement.
Monitor your country's EU transposition status by July 31, 2026, and reference FTC resources for US demands. Test a repair request on your next faulty device.