The Right to Repair movement is rapidly reshaping the global manufacturing and import landscape- and importers operating in or trading with the European Union must fully understand its implications.
How is this relevant to importers?
The Right to Repair regulations are now a formal part of the EU’s legal framework, integrated into the Blue Guide– the European Commission’s official guide for enforcing product compliance and market surveillance.
This means that spare parts, refurbished items, and repaired products imported into the EU must meet the same technical, safety, and labeling standards as new products.
Customs authorities and market surveillance bodies treat these items as fully regulated goods under CE and other harmonized EU directives.
As a result, importers must ensure that every product- whether brand new, used, or reconditioned- complies with the applicable conformity assessment, documentation, and traceability requirements.
What is the Right to Repair and why is it critical?
The Right to Repair is an EU initiative designed to make electrical and electronic products easier to repair, reuse, and maintain- part of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan. The goal is to reduce waste, extend product lifespan, and give consumers greater control over their devices.
Under the current framework, manufacturers must provide professional repairers- and in some cases consumers- with access to spare parts, repair manuals, and diagnostic tools for at least 7 to 10 years after purchase.
From 2025 onward, these requirements will expand to cover a broader range of household and industrial products, including appliances, smartphones, and even machinery components.
This makes it vital for importers to source only from suppliers who meet these obligations.
Implications for Importers
- If you import spare parts
You must confirm that they meet EU safety and conformity standards (such as CE marking or applicable harmonized standards) and that documentation..
including the Declaration of Conformity and technical files- is complete and available upon request.
- Repaired or refurbished products entering the EU market
Must be clearly labeled as “refurbished” or “repaired,” include traceability details, and comply with the latest eco-design, energy labeling, and safety regulations under EU law.
- Importers share full legal responsibility
Even if the product was originally manufactured outside the EU, the importer is considered the “responsible economic operator.”
This means you are liable for non-compliance, documentation gaps, or misleading labeling- not just the manufacturer.
Is the Right to Repair relevant in Israel?
While Israel currently has no formal Right to Repair legislation comparable to that of the European Union, growing awareness of electronic waste reduction and product sustainability is fueling public and governmental discussion.
Israel’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Standards Institution are examining potential policies aligned with the EU’s circular economy strategy.
For now, importers to Israel are encouraged to adopt EU-level compliance proactively, as it strengthens credibility, environmental responsibility, and readiness for future regulation.
In Summary
The Right to Repair represents a fundamental shift toward sustainable manufacturing and responsible trade.
For importers, it’s not just about product quality- it’s about ensuring every spare part, refurbished device, or repaired item entering the EU meets the same high standards as new goods.
Those who adapt early will enjoy smoother customs clearance, fewer compliance risks, and a stronger reputation with both regulators and environmentally conscious customers.
