12-Month Extended Warranty for Repairs: Right to Repair Mandates a Shift in Complaints

New government regulations implementing the EU’s Right to Repair directive will grant consumers an extra year of warranty coverage after repairs and impose strict new obligations on manufacturers and sellers.

New Rules for Product Complaints

Dumping broken equipment is set to become less profitable. New regulations will provide consumers with an additional year of warranty protection following a repair, while imposing new responsibilities on manufacturers. These changes take effect following the transposition of the EU directive.

The primary change concerns the seller’s liability for the conformity of goods with the contract. If a consumer chooses to repair a defective product rather than replace it, the seller’s liability period is extended by 12 months. Sellers must inform customers of this right before they make a decision.

Repairing Instead of Replacing

New regulations mandate the repair of various devices whenever technically possible. This list includes phones, tablets, washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners. The goal is to reduce the volume of electronic waste by making repair a more viable option than replacement.

Manufacturer and Importer Obligations

Manufacturers and importers must guarantee access to spare parts and the information necessary to perform repairs. Repairs should be performed free of charge or at a reasonable price, depending on the circumstances.

The European Online Repair Platform

A centralized European online repair platform is scheduled to launch by July 31, 2027. This tool will allow consumers to locate repair services, compare prices, and check service conditions to make more informed choices.

Standardized Repair Forms

A new European repair information form will detail the price, estimated completion time, service provider data, and scope of work. If a business issues this form, they remain bound by the offer for 30 days.

Enforcement and Penalties

The Trade Inspection will oversee compliance with these new regulations. Potential administrative fines for non-compliance can reach up to 40,000 PLN, in addition to potential liability for violating the collective interests of consumers.

Implementation Timeline

Poland is required to implement the EU Right to Repair directive by July 31, 2026. Most provisions will take effect 14 days after the act is published, with the exception of the European repair platform, which is slated for 2027.