Smartphone repair by law: FDP steps on the brakes

Electronic devices must become repairable. This is how the traffic light plan for the right to repair can be summarized in essence. There is uncertainty about how this can be done, by when and, above all, who is in charge.

Just a few days ago, Klaus Müller, head of the Federal Association of Consumers, called for more pressure and quick action on the right to repair electrical appliances, from washing machines to televisions to smartphones. The traffic light coalition has already planned packages of measures for this in its coalition agreement.

FDP MP sees the right to repair EU as a duty

For Müller it should be as early as March. It is unlikely that this will happen. There are many things that need to be clarified beforehand, including whether the German government is or wants to be responsible at all. “A repair guarantee can only be decided at European level“, quotes the Bild newspaper in its printed edition of January 10, 2022, the FDP member of the Bundestag Judith Skudelny, member of the environmental committee – and that should take much longer.

Plans similar to those in Germany are already being pursued at EU level, and the introduction of a repairability index is being prepared. But it doesn’t go quite as far as the ideas in Germany, it should rather to encourage sustainable production than to oblige. Equating the German plans with this would be a step backwards. On the other hand, an EU-wide regulation would have much more weight compared to manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Apple and Co. than a German solo effort. In addition, Apple has already announced corresponding plans.

From the point of view of the FDP environmental specialist, one should also check for which devices it makes sense to replace components. A For example, a permanently installed battery can have a positive effect on the service life of a mobile phone. In this context, the better protection against water and dust is often mentioned, which is usually lower in smartphones that can be opened by the user.

Smartphone repairs are far from being as easy as with this cable:

Repairing mobile phones and the like: Thuringia is a role model

But: Waiting for the EU is not the silver bullet. Resolute action, not hasty but not unnecessarily delayed, would be good for Germany in this case. For example, Thuringia, with its subsidy fund for repairs last year, already proved that setting a good example in environmental and consumer protection can lead to success.