What Is the Right to Repair?
The right to repair refers to a growing legal and consumer movement pushing for consumers and independent repair shops to have access to the parts, tools, software, and documentation needed to fix the products they own. For years, major manufacturers — particularly in electronics, appliances, and farming equipment — have made independent repair difficult or impossible, often steering customers toward expensive official service channels.
That's starting to change. Legislation and regulatory action in the US, EU, and UK are beginning to shift the balance of power back toward consumers.
Why Repair Has Become So Difficult
Modern products are increasingly engineered in ways that complicate repair:
- Serialized parts: Some electronics use software locks that prevent replacement parts from working unless the manufacturer authorizes them — even if the hardware is identical.
- Proprietary tools: Specialized screws and fasteners that require tools only manufacturers possess.
- Adhesive construction: Components glued together rather than screwed, making disassembly destructive.
- Withheld manuals and schematics: Independent repair technicians are often denied access to the documentation needed to diagnose and fix devices.
The result: consumers pay more for repairs, discard products sooner than necessary, and generate more electronic waste.
What's Changing Legally
United States
The FTC has taken a more active stance on repair restrictions, and several states — including California, Colorado, Minnesota, and New York — have passed right-to-repair legislation covering electronics, appliances, or both. The federal "REPAIR Act" has been introduced in Congress, though national legislation is still in progress.
European Union
The EU has been particularly aggressive. The "Right to Repair" directive, advancing through EU legislative processes, would require manufacturers to offer repairs beyond the warranty period, provide spare parts, and not use software to prevent independent repairs. Eco-design regulations already require appliance makers to supply spare parts for up to a decade.
United Kingdom
The UK introduced right-to-repair rules for certain product categories (washing machines, TVs, refrigerators) that require manufacturers to make spare parts available to professionals.
Which Products Are Affected?
Depending on where you live, legislation may cover:
- Smartphones and tablets
- Laptops and desktop computers
- Home appliances (washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers)
- Agricultural equipment (a major focus of early advocacy)
- Medical devices (emerging area of focus)
What This Means for You as a Consumer
Right to repair progress has several practical implications:
- More affordable repairs: Competition from independent repairers tends to lower prices.
- Longer product lifespans: Being able to replace a battery or screen means devices stay functional longer.
- More product transparency: Repairability scores (like those on iFixit) are increasingly influencing purchasing decisions.
- Environmental benefits: Fewer discarded devices means less e-waste, which is one of the world's fastest-growing waste streams.
What to Do Right Now
Even before repair laws fully take effect, you can take steps as a consumer:
- Check a product's repairability score on iFixit before buying.
- Seek out brands that publish repair manuals or sell spare parts directly (Framework for laptops, Fairphone for smartphones).
- Support local independent repair shops when repairs are needed.
- Contact elected representatives to support right-to-repair legislation in your region.
Looking Ahead
Right to repair is one of the most consequential consumer issues of the decade. It touches on product longevity, affordability, environmental impact, and the balance of power between large corporations and ordinary people. Progress is real — and it's accelerating. Staying informed puts you in a better position to make purchasing decisions that align with your values.