Spare parts and repairs
What is your ‘right to repair’ for damaged products?
From 31 July 2026, consumers have more options to get certain products repaired instead of replacing them. If there is a problem with certain products due to wear and tear or accidental damage, you can contact the manufacturer about getting repairs and spare parts. This is intended to help you hold on to certain products for longer and reduce electrical waste.
Does the right to repair apply to all products? The right to repair applies to the following 9 types of important consumer products:
- Washing machines and washer-dryers
- Tumble dryers
- Dishwashers
- Fridges and freezers
- Vacuum cleaners
- TVs and electronic displays
- External hard drives and other data storage devices
- Mobile phones, cordless phones and tablets
- E-bikes, e-scooters and e-mopeds and other products that use light transport batteries.
More products may be added in the future.
When do the repair rules apply?
The rules apply when:
- A fault develops through normal wear and tear.
- A product has been accidentally damaged.
- A product has been misused by the owner.
- A consumer cannot prove that the fault existed when the product was supplied.
- The time limit for resolving issues about faulty products has passed.
They apply to eligible products, including those bought before 31 July 2026, if the products were repairable when first sold and spare parts are still available.
Who is responsible for repairs?
Under these rules, the manufacturer or its repair partner is responsible for providing the repair.
If the manufacturer is based outside the EU, responsibility falls to its:
- Authorised representative
- Importer
- Distributor
What is your right to repair and is your product eligible?
Let’s say you bought a washing machine several years ago.
The washing machine has worked well, but recently it stopped spinning properly. An engineer informs you that the problem is caused by normal wear and tear after years of use. Because the washing machine was not faulty when you purchased it, you are unlikely to have a claim against the retailer under consumer law.
However, you can request a repair from the manufacturer because:
- Your washing machine is one of the products covered by the rules.
- The problem developed through normal use.
Before looking into your right to repair, check whether you may still be entitled to a refund, free repair or replacement from the retailer if a product is faulty.
What must the manufacturer do to help you?
If your washing machine can be repaired, the manufacturer must:
- Carry out the repair within a reasonable time.
- Offer the repair at a reasonable price or free of charge.
- Make spare parts available at a reasonable price.
The manufacturer cannot refuse the repair if you have used an independent repairer for previous repairs.
For example, if you had a water pump inside the washing machine replaced by an independent repairer, the manufacturer cannot later refuse an eligible repair solely because a third party previously worked on the machine.
Where can you find details about repairs from the manufacturer?
When you check the manufacturer's website, you must be able to find information about:
- How long spare parts will remain available
- How to request a repair
- Whether repairs are carried out directly or through a repair partner
- Estimated repair costs
Manufacturers that make spare parts and repairs available for covered products must do so for at least five to ten years, although the exact period depends on the product.
Will your repair be free?
The repair does not have to be free. However, any charge must be reasonable to encourage consumers to repair products instead of replacing them.
How can you get an estimate of repair costs?
Before committing to the repair, you should ask for a quote.
The manufacturer can use a standard template (known as European Repair Information Form) to provide the quote. It includes:
- Contact details
- Details of the fault.
- The repair cost or maximum estimated cost.
- How long the repair should take.
- Any additional charges, for example to collect, transport or install the product.
- Information on any replacement products that may be loaned to you during the repair, if needed.
The repair quote remains valid for at least 30 days from when you receive it.
Do you have to accept the repair estimate?
No, receiving an estimate does not oblige you to use that repair service. It is open to you to compare repair estimates. Below are examples of what you can compare with other repairers:
- Prices
- Repair times
- Repair conditions
- Availability of temporary replacement products
You may also use Repair My Stuff to compare repair options and find repairers throughout Ireland.
Can the manufacturer charge for a repair quote?
Sometimes a manufacturer cannot identify a fault with a product from a description alone. In these cases, they need to inspect the appliance to assess the exact fault so they can provide an accurate repair quote. If an assessment is needed, the manufacturer can charge you for it.
Before carrying out the assessment, the manufacturer must tell you:
- How much it will cost.
- What the charge covers.
You don’t have to go ahead with an assessment.
If you go ahead with both the assessment and the repair, the assessment fee may be deducted from the repair cost. You can get a refund of the assessment fee if the repair is not done according to the terms of the repair quote.
If you proceed with the assessment but don’t proceed with the repair, you may still have to pay the assessment fee.
What if the washing machine cannot be repaired?
After inspecting the washing machine, the manufacturer may conclude that:
- The washing machine is beyond repair or
- Essential spare parts are no longer available.
In these cases, the manufacturer can refuse the repair because it is genuinely impossible to carry it out and may offer you a refurbished replacement product instead.
