When a phone screen cracks or a washing machine stops spinning, most people expect to have options. Take it to a local shop, order a part, or fix it at home. In practice, those options have often been limited. Parts are hard to buy, manuals are not shared, software locks block outside repairs, and some products are built so tightly that opening them damages them. Right to repair laws are an attempt to change that, and in the last few years they have moved from a niche campaign to real legislation on both sides of the Atlantic.
The picture is not simple, though. The United States has a growing patchwork of state laws, while the European Union has taken a broader, more coordinated approach. This guide explains what these laws actually do, where they differ, and what they mean for consumers, repair shops, and manufacturers. It is general information, not legal advice, and details are changing quickly.
What Is the Right to Repair?
The right to repair is the idea that you should be able to fix the things you own, or choose who fixes them, without unreasonable barriers. In practice, repair rules usually focus on a few things:
- Access to spare parts at fair prices
- Access to tools needed for repair, including diagnostic software
- Access to repair information, such as manuals and schematics
- Freedom from design and software restrictions that block independent repair
- Fair treatment under warranties when a product is repaired by someone other than the manufacturer
Supporters argue that this lowers costs, creates local repair jobs, and reduces electronic waste. Manufacturers often raise concerns about safety, security, intellectual property, and product quality. Most modern laws try to balance those interests, and the details vary a great deal.
Why the Issue Gained Momentum
Several trends pushed repair onto the political agenda.
- Electronic waste. Discarded phones, laptops, and appliances are among the fastest growing waste streams worldwide.
- Cost of living. Replacing a product is often more expensive than fixing it, if repair is possible.
- Design choices. Glued batteries, proprietary screws, and serial-number locks on parts make independent repair harder.
- Software locks. Some devices refuse to work properly after a part swap, even with a genuine part.
- Farm and industrial equipment. Farmers have long complained about being unable to fix their own tractors without a dealer visit, especially during busy seasons.
Together, these concerns created a broad coalition of consumer groups, repair shops, environmental organizations, farmers, and small businesses.
Right to Repair Laws in the United States
The US does not have a single national right to repair law for consumer products. Instead, progress has come through a mix of state legislation, federal agency action, and voluntary company programs.
Federal Activity
At the federal level, the Federal Trade Commission has examined the issue. Its 2021 report to Congress, titled Nixing the Fix, found that manufacturers use a variety of methods to limit repair and concluded that there was limited evidence to support some of the safety and security arguments used to justify those restrictions. The FTC has also reminded companies that, under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a warranty generally cannot be voided simply because a consumer used a third-party repair service or non-brand parts, with some exceptions.
Bills have been introduced in Congress to create national repair requirements, but no broad federal consumer right to repair law has been enacted as of this writing.
State Laws
State legislatures have taken the lead. A few examples show the range:
- New York passed a digital electronics repair law, requiring manufacturers to make parts, tools, and documentation available to independent repairers and owners, with certain exclusions.
- Minnesota enacted a similar digital electronics repair law, covering many consumer devices.
- California passed a repair law requiring manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for certain products for a number of years, with the length depending on the price of the product.
- Colorado has laws covering some categories such as digital electronics, wheelchairs, and agricultural equipment.
- Oregon adopted a law that also addresses parts pairing, the practice of linking a component to a specific device through software so that replacements do not work properly.
These laws differ in what products they cover, how long manufacturers must support them, what exemptions apply, and when they take effect. Some exclude certain categories, such as video game consoles, medical devices, or motor vehicles. Because the rules vary by state, a repair right in one place may not exist in another.
Company Programs
Partly in response to public and legislative pressure, some large manufacturers have launched self-service repair programs that sell parts and tools to consumers and independent shops. Programs from major phone and computer makers are examples. These programs are a step toward easier repair, though critics note that prices, availability, and limits on which products or parts are included can still be problems.
Agriculture and Heavy Equipment
Farm equipment has been one of the most visible areas of debate. Farmers say that modern tractors and combines rely on software that only dealers can access, which can delay urgent repairs. Some manufacturers and farm organizations have signed voluntary agreements to give more access to tools and information, while others argue that law is still needed. The issue continues to draw legal and political attention.
Right to Repair Laws in the European Union
The EU has approached repair as part of a wider strategy for a circular economy and sustainability. That has produced rules at both the product-design level and the consumer-rights level.
Ecodesign Requirements
Under EU ecodesign rules, certain product categories must meet repairability requirements. For example, regulations for appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and electronic displays require manufacturers to make spare parts available to professional repairers for a set number of years and to provide repair information. More recent rules for smartphones and tablets, which began to apply in mid-2025, set requirements for spare parts availability, software updates, and ease of disassembly, along with an energy label that includes repairability information.
The Right to Repair Directive
In 2024, the EU adopted a Right to Repair Directive that builds on these product rules and focuses on consumer rights. Member states are required to bring it into national law by mid-2026. Its main features include:
- A repair obligation. For certain products that must be repairable under EU law, manufacturers must offer repair outside the warranty period, generally at a reasonable price.
- An extended guarantee. If a consumer chooses repair instead of replacement within the legal guarantee period, the guarantee is extended by an additional twelve months.
- No unfair barriers. Manufacturers cannot use contract terms, hardware techniques, or software techniques to block independent repair, with limited justified exceptions.
- Independent repairers. Manufacturers must not refuse to repair a product solely because it was previously repaired by someone else, in many cases, and independent repairers should have access to spare parts and tools at reasonable prices.
- Information and transparency. A standard repair information form and an online platform to help consumers find repairers and refurbished goods.
National Measures
Individual EU countries have also acted. France, for example, introduced a repairability index for certain products, giving consumers a score that shows how easy a product is to fix. Other countries have used tax incentives or repair vouchers to lower the cost of repair.
US vs EU: Key Differences
| Area | United States | European Union |
|---|---|---|
| Overall approach | State-by-state patchwork plus federal agency guidance | Coordinated EU-wide rules |
| Scope | Varies by state, often digital electronics | Product-specific ecodesign plus consumer directive |
| Consumer guarantee | Warranty rules apply, no general repair-based extension | Extra guarantee period when choosing repair |
| Parts pairing | Addressed in some states | Addressed through restrictions on barriers to repair |
| Timing | Laws take effect at different dates | Directive requires national implementation by a set date |
| Focus | Competition and consumer choice | Sustainability and consumer rights |
The EU approach tends to be broader and more uniform. The US approach is more fragmented but is evolving quickly, and state laws are influencing each other.
What These Laws Mean for Consumers
For everyday users, the benefits can be real, though they will not appear overnight.
- More repair choices. Independent shops may find it easier to get parts and information.
- Potentially lower costs. Competition among repairers can bring prices down.
- Longer-lasting products. Better access to parts can extend a device's life.
- Clearer information. Repairability scores and labels help you compare products before you buy.
It also helps to know your limits. These laws do not guarantee that every product can be fixed, nor that parts will be cheap. Safety rules still apply, and some repairs, such as those involving batteries, high voltage, or gas, should be done by qualified professionals.
What They Mean for Repair Shops and Small Businesses
Independent repairers are among the main beneficiaries. Better access to parts, tools, and manuals can allow shops to fix a wider range of products and compete with manufacturer service centers. Repair businesses may also see growth as consumers look for alternatives to replacement. However, shops still need technical skill, training, and compliance with safety and consumer protection rules.
What They Mean for Manufacturers
Manufacturers face new costs and design considerations. They may need to stock parts for longer periods, publish repair information, and rethink design choices that make repair difficult. Many companies raise concerns about security, safety, and intellectual property, and some have argued that open access could create risks. Others see benefits, such as improved reputation, customer loyalty, and new service revenue. Over time, repairability may become part of how products compete.
Common Myths About Right to Repair
- "It means anyone can open anything." Most laws provide access to parts and information, not a requirement that every product be easy to open at home.
- "It removes warranty protection." In general, warranties are meant to remain valid unless the damage was caused by the repair or by misuse, though specifics vary.
- "It only matters for phones." The laws affect appliances, wheelchairs, farm equipment, and more.
- "Manufacturers are always against it." Some have introduced repair programs, while others continue to oppose broad mandates.
- "It is already settled." Rules are still being written, challenged, and updated.
What to Watch Next
Several developments are worth following. More US states are considering repair bills, and existing laws will be tested as they take effect. In the EU, member states must turn the directive into national law, which will determine how it works in practice. Questions about software locks, parts pairing, battery replacement, and the repair of connected devices are likely to stay central. Meanwhile, consumer awareness continues to grow, which tends to keep the issue on the agenda.
For broader context on the EU's circular economy policies, the European Commission publishes official information on ecodesign and consumer rules.
Tips for Consumers Right Now
- Check repairability before you buy. Look for repair scores, parts availability, and software support periods.
- Ask about parts and service. Find out whether replacement batteries and screens are offered.
- Keep your receipts and warranty details. They matter if a claim arises.
- Use reputable repairers. Check reviews and ask about parts quality.
- Know your local rules. Laws differ by state and country, so check what applies to you.
- Consider safety. Leave high-risk repairs to professionals.
Conclusion
The truth about right to repair laws is that they are real, growing, and uneven. In the United States, progress comes mainly through state legislation, federal agency pressure, and voluntary company programs, which means rights depend on where you live and what you own. In the European Union, a coordinated mix of ecodesign rules and a new repair directive aims to make repair a standard part of consumer rights and sustainability policy. Neither system guarantees that every product can be fixed cheaply, and safety, security, and cost concerns remain part of the debate. Still, the direction is clear: more access to parts, tools, and information, and fewer artificial barriers. For consumers and repair businesses, staying informed about local rules and choosing products with repair in mind is the best way to benefit from this shift.