The UK government has reportedly kicked the right to repair rules into the law, claiming that televisions, refrigerators, and other electric home appliances would now be less expensive to operate and repair under the new law.

As per the new law, manufacturers would be required to make spare parts available to consumers purchasing consumer electronics. The ultimate goal of the rules is enhancing product lifespans by up to ten years and foster environmental well-being in the process.

The right to repair regulations are intended to combat something called 'built-in obsolescence', a phenomenon where manufacturers deliberately design equipment to break down after a set amount of time in order to encourage users to purchase new ones.

Now, by law, manufacturers would be required to ensure the availability of spare parts for consumers, so that they can repair their electronic appliances when they do break down.

Through the new rules, the government has also altered the energy efficiency standards. According to the government, higher energy standards this year will also save households approximately £75 per year on electricity bills and significantly cut down emissions.

Energy Minister, Anne Marie Trevelyan, stated that the stricter standards would guarantee that many of the electrical items can be repaired instead of thrown away when they break down, putting more money back directly in the wallets of UK’s consumers.

However, according to one firm, the regulation may raise the cost of white goods. John Elliot, Ebac executive chairman stated that his company has always strived to ensure long-term reliability of its products.

Elliot added, Ebac has never looked to manufacture the cheapest washing machines; instead, it has focused on making the best and most durable ones that last a long time.

On the other hand, Rob Johnson, operations director Pacifica, a repair business, stated that the law provides customers a meaningful choice between fixing or replacing their product.

Johnson also added, now Pacifica would be focusing on hiring more engineers due to the new legislation. The firm already employs 400 certified engineers who visit homes to repair about 6,000 home appliances on a weekly basis.

Source credit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57665593