EU Right to Repair Law: Key Country-Specific Impacts
*(Effective 2027, applies to all smartphones sold in EU/EEA)*
Core Requirements
7+ years of spare parts (batteries, screens, ports) availability
7+ years of security/OS updates
User-replaceable batteries (no glue/special tools) by 2027
Repair manuals/pricing must be publicly accessible
Country-Specific Enforcement & Implications
| Country/Region | Key Focus | Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Germany/France | Strict fines (up to €20M or 4% revenue) • Prioritizes battery replacements | Jan 2027 (all new models) |
| Nordics | Free collection/recycling of old devices • Subsidized repair costs | Jul 2027 |
| Eastern Europe | Affordable parts for mid-range phones • Local repair shop partnerships | 2028 (legacy models) |
| UK | Aligns with EU rules despite Brexit • Focus on Samsung/Apple compliance | Dec 2027 |
Global Ripple Effects
USA
California/New York drafting similar laws
Apple to launch Self-Service Repair Kits nationwide by 2026
India
Mandating 5-year parts/updates for phones >₹20,000
Australia
Penalizing "planned obsolescence" from 2026
Manufacturer Challenges
| Brand | Major Hurdle |
|---|---|
| Apple | Redesigning iPhone batteries (current: glued) • iOS updates for 7+ year-old devices |
| Samsung | Ensuring parts for 100+ models • Cost impact on foldables (Galaxy Z series) |
| Google/Xiaomi | Standardizing battery modules • Budget phone support (e.g. Pixel A-series) |
Consumer Benefits
Battery replacement cost: Drops from €99 → €25-40
Extended phone lifespan: Avg. use from 3 → 5-7 years
Reduced e-waste: Targets -30% by 2030
Non-compliance: Fines up to 4% of annual EU revenue + sales bans.