Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – The right to repair marks a new phase for the Italian market. With the entry into force today, October 22, of Legislative Decree no. 176/2026, after-sales service will no longer be merely an ancillary service: it will become an increasingly central element in the relationship between manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers.
The requirement applies to 11 product categories regulated by the EU for repairability requirements: smartphones, tablets, and cordless phones; washing machines, washer-dryers, and dishwashers; refrigeration appliances and tumble dryers; electronic displays and vacuum cleaners; servers and data storage systems; and means of transport incorporating specific batteries.
The regulation, which is effective retroactively for goods sold after July 31, introduces, among other measures, a one-time twelve-month extension of the seller's liability when the consumer chooses to have the repaired item repaired during the legal warranty period.
For product categories covered by European repairability specifications, the obligation to repair products beyond the seller's liability period is also established, unless technically impossible, free of charge or at a reasonable price and within a reasonable timeframe. This change highlights companies' ability to organize technical networks, spare parts, logistics, information, and customer support.
"The right to repair underscores what the market is already demonstrating: after-sales service is not a cost to be managed, but a strategic lever. The challenge for manufacturers and retailers will be to transform regulatory requirements into simple, traceable, and reliable processes. Those who succeed will be able to reduce operational issues, strengthen customer trust, and build a lasting competitive advantage," says expert Fabio Fasolino, CEO of Business Company, a company with over 26 years of experience in after-sales services on the European market.
The company supports manufacturers, importers, large-scale distribution, specialized retailers, and e-commerce operators throughout all stages of a product's lifecycle: installation, diagnostics, warranty and out-of-warranty maintenance, reconditioning, disposal, and WEEE and battery management.
The legislation also aims to make information on assistance services and spare parts more accessible at reasonable prices. A European platform to facilitate matching between consumers and repairers is expected to become operational in 2027. The Commission estimates that the new rules could generate €4,8 billion in growth and investment in the EU.
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