Companies will be prevented from using software practices that impede the work of independent repairers or the use of second-hand and 3D-printed parts. The legislation also states that spare parts and repair tools must be made more easily accessible and sold at a “reasonable price.”

That’s a positive step, said Ganapini, as the high price of spare parts is one of the main obstacles to making repairs affordable. But she pointed out that the legislation is vague about what a reasonable price means in practice.

“It will be up to a judge to say, ‘This price is not reasonable,’ and manufacturers will most likely fight back,” she said, adding that the process could take years.

Industry, meanwhile, has embraced the new rules, pointing out that the scope will expand automatically as the Commission develops new repairability requirements for different product categories under its ecodesign legislation.

The Commission has said it will prioritize requirements for ICT products, textiles and furniture. But the process is likely to take years.

Hugh Kirk, senior policy manager at the industry association DIGITALEUROPE, insisted that “the repair economy in Europe is already extensive” and the new rules will only “boost” it further.

“The legislation is designed to bring more competition into the repair market and more information about repair services,” he said, “which will help to make repair a more attractive option for consumers.”