Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, recently announced the enactment of the European Union (Common Rules Promoting the Repair of Goods) Regulations 2026, bringing the EU Right to Repair Directive into Irish law and strengthening consumers’ ability to repair products rather than replace them.
The Government says that the new rules are designed to make repair a more attractive and accessible option, helping to extend the life of products and reduce waste.
The new EU rules are designed to encourage consumers to repair rather than replace products. This is to tackle the estimated 35 million tonnes of waste the premature disposal of consumer goods generates across the bloc.
The ‘right to repair’ regulations introduce new rights and supports aimed at encouraging repair over disposal, including a repair obligation for manufacturers of certain products and the establishment of a national repair platform to help consumers locate repair services.
The rules apply to household and electronic products such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, mobile phones, and tablets.
The national repair directory, RepairMyStuff.ie, will be further developed to fulfil the role as Ireland’s national repair platform.
The regulations will:
- make it easier for consumers to access repair services when products develop faults outside of the seller’s liability period
- improve transparency through the European Repair Information Form, allowing consumers to receive clear and consistent information on repair services
- support consumers in locating repair providers through a national repair platform linked to the wider European repair network
- encourage longer product lifespans and reduce the need for premature replacement of goods
Peter Burke (Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment) said that the measures would create opportunities for Irish businesses operating in the repair and refurbishment sectors, “In implementing the directive, we have sought to strike the right balance between supporting consumers, encouraging sustainable economic activity, and ensuring that businesses are not faced with unnecessary regulatory burdens.”
The regulations will also create opportunities for businesses by:
- supporting the growth of Ireland’s repair sector and circular economy
- increasing visibility for repairers through the national repair platform
- encouraging greater demand for repair services and refurbishment activities
- providing a proportionate regulatory framework that focuses on compliance and promoting repair rather than creating unnecessary administrative burdens
The regulations complement wider government initiatives to promote sustainable consumption and waste prevention.
NB – This is a guide for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have an issue requiring legal advice, please contact any of the team at Nolan Farrell & Goff LLP, whose numbers can be found on our website www.nfg.ie, or email info@nfg.ie.
