Introduction
Ireland has introduced new rules designed to make repair a more accessible and attractive option for consumers, and to support the EU’s wider move towards more sustainable product use. The European Union (Common Rules Promoting the Repair of Goods) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 (Regulations) give effect in Ireland to Directive (EU) 2024/1799 on common rules promoting the repair of goods (Directive), as amended by Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2026/74. The Regulations sit alongside existing Irish consumer rights legislation, including the Consumer Rights Act 2022. The Regulations - other than Regulation 13 - came into operation on 31 July 2026.
EU context
The Directive and the Regulations form part of a broader EU policy shift away from premature replacement of goods and towards product longevity, circularity and waste reduction. The Directive aims to promote the repair of broken or defective goods for the benefit of consumers, the environment and the EU internal market. This is a significant ESG development for manufacturers, importers, distributors, repairers and consumer-facing businesses, because repairability is increasingly becoming a legal, operational and reputational issue rather than a purely after-sales matter.
Key aspects of the Regulations
Manufacturers' obligation to repair certain goods: For EU and Irish businesses, the central change is the manufacturer’s obligation to repair certain goods when requested by a consumer. This obligation applies only to goods for which, and to the extent that, repairability requirements are provided by the relevant EU acts listed in Annex II to the Directive. These include items such as household washing machines and washer-dryers, household dishwashers, refrigerating appliances, electronic displays, smartphones, mobile phones, cordless phones, slate tablets, and, following Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2026/74, domestic local space heaters. A manufacturer is not required to repair where repair is impossible, but otherwise repair must be carried out free of charge or for a reasonable price and as soon as practicable after the manufacturer receives, gains access to or takes possession of the good.
Restriction of practices that undermine repair: The Regulations also restrict practices that could undermine repair. Manufacturers must offer spare parts and tools at a reasonable price where they make them available for covered goods. They must not impede repair through contractual, hardware or software restrictions unless justified by legitimate and objective factors, including intellectual property rights. They also must not refuse to repair covered goods solely because a previous repair was carried out by another person. Consumers remain free to seek repair from any repairer of their choice.
Implications for non-EU businesses: Businesses outside the EU should also note the allocation of responsibility within the supply chain. Where a manufacturer is established outside the EU, the repair obligation may fall on its authorised representative, or, if there is none, on the importer, or, failing that, on the distributor of the good concerned. The obligation may be subcontracted, but subcontracting does not remove the need for a clear compliance framework.
Information obligations: The Regulations introduce important information obligations. A person with a repair obligation must make indicative prices for typical repairs available through a free-access website and must provide clear, comprehensible and easily accessible information on the goods covered, the extent of the obligation and how repair services are provided.
European Repair Information Form: Repairers may also provide consumers with a European Repair Information Form before the consumer is bound by a repair contract. The form records practical information such as the repairer’s details, the defect, the proposed repair, price or pricing method, repair timing, temporary replacement goods and ancillary services. The form has real commercial significance. If a repairer provides the form, the conditions of repair cannot be altered for 30 days, or any longer agreed period. If the consumer accepts within that period, the repairer must perform the service on those terms. Diagnostic services may be charged for where necessary, but the consumer must be told the costs in advance and is not required to proceed with the repair after diagnosis.
A national repair platform: A further practical development is the creation of a national repair platform. The Minister, in consultation with the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, must establish a platform for consumers, and use of that platform must be free of charge for consumers. Registration is voluntary for repairers, sellers of refurbished goods, purchasers of defective goods for refurbishment and community-led repair initiatives. At EU level, Directive (EU) 2024/1799 also provides for a European online platform for repair, with a common online interface to be developed by 31 July 2027.
Changes to the Consumer Rights Act 2022: The Regulations also amend the Consumer Rights Act 2022. The Irish conformity standard for goods now expressly refers to durability, repairability, functionality, compatibility and security as features that consumers may reasonably expect. Traders must inform consumers of the right to choose between repair and replacement before providing a remedy. The Act is also amended to allow, during repair, the provision of a temporary replacement good, including a refurbished good, and to permit a refurbished good to be supplied as a replacement at the consumer’s explicit request.
Conclusion
Businesses should review whether their products fall within the covered EU repairability categories, assess repair processes and pricing, update consumer-facing repair information, prepare European Repair Information Form procedures, and check that contractual terms, software controls and spare-parts policies do not restrict lawful repair. From an ESG perspective, the Regulations also provide an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to circular economy principles by embedding repair, reuse and refurbishment into product lifecycle management.
For more information, please contact John Gaffney or your usual contact in Beauchamps LLP.
