Germany’s consumer protection agencies are demanding revisions to the forthcoming “right to repair” legislation, arguing that the current draft, spearheaded by Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig, does not head far enough to establish a sustainable repair culture.
The proposed law, intended to implement the EU’s Right to Repair Directive by a July 31st deadline, aims to compel manufacturers to repair products during their expected lifespan and provide access to necessary spare parts at reasonable prices. While welcomed as a step forward, consumer groups contend the legislation lacks crucial provisions to make repair a genuinely viable alternative to replacement.
Central to the criticism is the anticipated timeframe for obtaining replacement parts. The Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) is calling for a maximum delivery period of five days for spare parts, arguing that prolonged waits render repair impractical for everyday devices like smartphones and household appliances. “If a smartphone breaks down, quick help is needed. Waiting weeks for a spare part is unacceptable for a device used daily,” stated Keo Sasha Rigorth, a team member for Mobility and Resource Protection at vzbv, in a mid-January statement.
Beyond expedited parts delivery, the vzbv is advocating for an extension of the legal warranty period, aligning it more closely with the actual lifespan of products. Currently, the standard warranty period in Germany is two years. The organization too proposes the introduction of a repair bonus to further incentivize consumers to choose repair over replacement.
The call for stronger regulations comes as the European Council formally adopted the Right to Repair Directive in May 2024, setting minimum standards for member states. Minister Hubig presented her draft legislation in mid-January, framing it as a necessary move away from a “throwaway society.”
However, industry representatives have voiced concerns about the potential impact of stricter rules. The Bitkom industry association has warned of “significant additional burdens for the trade” should Germany exceed the minimum requirements set by the EU. The vzbv counters that a mere “one-to-one implementation of the Right to Repair Directive” is insufficient to foster a lasting shift in consumer behavior.
To further promote transparency, the vzbv is also pushing for a clear labeling system indicating the expected lifespan of electronic devices. This would allow consumers to better assess whether a repair is economically sensible. The debate highlights the tension between the EU’s directive, national implementation, and the demands of consumer advocates seeking a more robust and effective right to repair.
As of February 19, 2026, the German government has not publicly responded to the vzbv’s specific demands for revisions to the draft legislation. The bill is currently under review by regional governments and industry associations, with a final vote expected before the July 31st deadline.
