Free ICT Europe Foundation blog

Part 6: Opportunity Within Constraints

jan.hoogstrate@free-ict-europe.eu (Jan Hoogstrate) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:21:04 GMT

30 Second Summary

• The Right to Repair Directive is a major step forward for Europe's independent repair sector.
• It creates new opportunities, but it is not a complete solution.
• Businesses should prepare now to make the most of their new rights.
• The future of repair will depend on continued collaboration between industry and policymakers.

The European Right to Repair Directive represents a significant step forward for professional repairers, refurbishment businesses and the independent IT aftermarket. It creates new rights, improves access to repair information and spare parts, and strengthens the legal position of independent repair businesses across Europe.

However, the Directive should be viewed as a foundation rather than a finished solution. Success will depend not only on the legislation itself, but also on how effectively it is implemented and enforced by Member States.

For businesses operating in the secondary market, there are several practical actions that can be taken today:

Register as a professional repairer through the national repair register when available. This will become an important gateway to accessing OEM repair information and services.
Use the new price transparency requirements to demonstrate value and compete fairly with manufacturer repair services.
Document any instances where manufacturers refuse access to spare parts, repair information or diagnostic tools.
Continue developing high standards for refurbished products, data handling and security, even where legislation has not yet established clear requirements.
Monitor future Ecodesign developments, particularly those relating to PCs, laptops and external power supplies, as these are expected to expand the scope of legally protected repair.

The Right to Repair Directive is a major victory for Europe's independent repair ecosystem, but it is only the beginning. The opportunities it creates will be realised by businesses that actively engage with the new framework, collaborate with policymakers and continue to advocate for improvements where gaps remain.

In Plain English

The Right to Repair is good news for the independent repair industry, but there is still work to do.

The new rules make it easier for professional repair businesses to access parts and information, creating more opportunities to repair products instead of replacing them.

At the same time, repair businesses should stay informed, understand their new rights and actively use them. Future legislation will continue to expand repair opportunities, and businesses that prepare now will be well positioned to benefit.

The Right to Repair is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of a stronger, more competitive and more sustainable repair market.

Why this matters

The transition to a circular economy will not happen through legislation alone.

It requires collaboration between policymakers, manufacturers, professional repairers, refurbishers and end users. The Right to Repair Directive provides an important legal foundation, but its real success will be measured by how many products remain in use, how much electronic waste is avoided and how competitive Europe's independent repair sector becomes.

At Free ICT Europe, we believe repair should be the first choice, not the last resort. This Directive brings Europe one step closer to that goal, and we will continue working with policymakers and industry to ensure the remaining barriers are addressed.

This article concludes Free ICT Europe's six part series on the European Right to Repair Directive.

Previous: Free ICT Europe's Roadmap

Thank you for reading.

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Part 5: Free ICT Europe's Roadmap – The Interlinked Policy Matrix

jan.hoogstrate@free-ict-europe.eu (Jan Hoogstrate) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:45:47 GMT

30 Second Summary

• The Right to Repair Directive is only one part of a broader policy framework.
• Ecodesign, the Cyber Resilience Act and the Data Act each play a critical role.
• Together, these policies support repairability, digital sovereignty and the circular economy.
• No single piece of legislation can achieve these goals on its own.

The Right to Repair Directive is an important milestone, but it should not be viewed in isolation. It forms part of a broader legislative framework that will ultimately determine how repairable, reusable and sustainable ICT products become.

For the independent IT aftermarket, several key pieces of European legislation must work together.

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) addresses how products are designed, including repairability requirements, parts pairing and the future Digital Product Passport. While the Right to Repair focuses on access to repair after a product has been sold, Ecodesign determines whether products are designed to be repairable in the first place.

The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) complements this by addressing software security and support. Longer security update periods are essential if hardware is to remain safe and usable throughout an extended lifecycle.

The Data Act is another critical component. It aims to provide users and authorised third parties with access to the operational and diagnostic data generated by connected devices. This information can be invaluable for maintenance, repair and refurbishment activities.

Together, these regulations create a policy framework that supports digital sovereignty, extends product lifecycles and strengthens Europe's circular economy.

The Right to Repair Directive opens the door, but these complementary policies will determine how far Europe can go in creating a truly competitive and sustainable repair ecosystem.

In Plain English

The Right to Repair is only one piece of a much bigger puzzle.

Making products repairable isn't just about providing spare parts. Products also need to be designed for repair, receive security updates for longer and allow access to the data needed to diagnose faults.

That is why Free ICT Europe supports several connected pieces of legislation. Together, they can help create an IT market where products last longer, repairs are easier and businesses have a fair opportunity to compete.

No single law can achieve this on its own.

Why this matters

One regulation cannot transform the IT industry.

If products can be repaired but no longer receive security updates, they become unusable. If software prevents replacement parts from working, repair is still blocked. If diagnostic data is unavailable, independent repairers cannot effectively maintain equipment.

Free ICT Europe's work therefore goes beyond the Right to Repair. By contributing to multiple European policy discussions, the organisation aims to ensure that repairability, sustainability and digital sovereignty are considered throughout the entire lifecycle of ICT products.

Only by connecting these policies can Europe unlock the full potential of the circular economy.

This article is part of Free ICT Europe's six part series on the European Right to Repair Directive.

Previous: Navigating OEM Non-Compliance Risk Next: Opportunity Within Constraints.

Part 4: Navigating OEM Non-Compliance Risk

jan.hoogstrate@free-ict-europe.eu (Jan Hoogstrate) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:36:02 GMT

30 Second Summary

• The Right to Repair Directive creates new rights for professional repairers.
• However, there is no central EU enforcement authority.
• Each Member State will define its own penalties and enforcement procedures.
• Repair businesses should document non-compliance and engage with national authorities where necessary.

The Right to Repair Directive creates new rights for professional repairers, but rights alone do not guarantee compliance. One of the Directive's biggest challenges is the absence of a central European enforcement mechanism.

Rather than introducing a single EU-wide authority, the Directive places responsibility on each Member State to establish its own rules, penalties and enforcement procedures. By 31 July 2026, Member States must define effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties for non-compliance and notify the European Commission of these measures.

This decentralised approach creates the risk of inconsistent enforcement across the European Single Market. Some countries may actively enforce the legislation, while others may adopt a less proactive approach.

The Directive does not establish a formal dispute resolution mechanism for disagreements between manufacturers and professional repairers. Nor does it require manufacturers to report spare parts pricing, repair refusals or other compliance data. In practice, many cases of non-compliance may only come to light when repair businesses experience problems and choose to report them.

For independent repairers, refurbishment companies and the wider IT aftermarket, this means that active engagement will be essential. Businesses should document instances where manufacturers refuse access to spare parts, repair information or diagnostic tools, and work closely with their national authorities where necessary.

The Directive provides the legal framework, but its success will depend on effective implementation and consistent enforcement across Europe.

In Plain English

The new law gives repair businesses more rights, but someone still has to make sure manufacturers follow the rules.

There is no European organisation responsible for enforcing the Directive. Instead, each EU country will decide how to investigate complaints and what penalties apply if manufacturers fail to comply.

That means enforcement may vary from one country to another. Repair businesses should keep clear records whenever they experience problems, as this evidence may be needed to support complaints or encourage national authorities to take action.

The law is a powerful tool, but it will only be effective if businesses are prepared to use it.

Why this matters

Good legislation is only effective when it is properly enforced.

If manufacturers continue to delay repairs, withhold information or restrict access to spare parts without consequences, the benefits of the Right to Repair Directive will be limited.

This is why Free ICT Europe encourages the independent repair sector not only to understand its new rights, but also to document non-compliance, engage with national authorities and help shape consistent enforcement across Europe.

A strong Right to Repair framework depends not only on good legislation, but also on businesses willing to stand behind it.

This article is part of Free ICT Europe's six part series on the European Right to Repair Directive.

Previous: The Directive's Structural Shortfalls Next: Free ICT Europe's Roadmap

Part 3: The Directive's Structural Shortfalls

jan.hoogstrate@free-ict-europe.eu (Jan Hoogstrate) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:32:07 GMT

30 Second Summary

• The Right to Repair Directive is a major step forward, but it does not solve every challenge.
• Important B2B ICT issues remain outside its scope.
• Software licensing, parts pairing and enterprise IT continue to present barriers to repair.
• Additional legislation will be needed to create a truly level playing field.

The Right to Repair Directive represents significant progress for the repair sector, but it is not a complete solution. While it introduces important rights for professional repairers, several structural gaps remain that continue to affect the business-to-business (B2B) ICT market.

The Directive is fundamentally focused on consumer goods, consumer repair and consumer rights. As a result, enterprise IT infrastructure and many of the challenges faced by professional repairers and refurbishment businesses are largely overlooked.

Network equipment is not included, as it is not covered by an active Ecodesign product group.

The Directive also places no restraints on software licensing. Manufacturers can continue to use licensing models that tie software to specific hardware or restrict software reinstallation and transfer. These practices can significantly limit the reuse and refurbishment of IT equipment.

In addition, the Directive does not prohibit software based parts pairing, where replacement components must be digitally authorised before they function correctly. Nor does it introduce requirements for certified data erasure or improved access to data for IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) providers.

The Directive also does not set maximum delivery times for spare parts. Future Ecodesign legislation is expected to address this issue.

Finally, desktop PCs and laptops are not yet included within the Directive's scope. Their inclusion depends on updates to the Ecodesign Lot 3 Regulation, which is currently under review.

The Right to Repair Directive creates an important legal foundation, but further legislation will be needed to address these remaining barriers to repair and refurbishment.

In Plain English

The Right to Repair Directive is a major step forward, but it doesn't fix every problem.

Many of the biggest challenges facing professional repair businesses remain. Software licensing restrictions, digital locks on replacement parts, network equipment and business IT systems are still largely outside the scope of the legislation.

For example, a repair company may be able to replace a component, but if the software refuses to recognise it or a licence cannot be transferred, the repair may still be impossible.

The Directive opens the door, but there is still a long way to go before repair businesses have a truly level playing field.

Why this matters

Repair is about much more than replacing a broken part.

Modern IT equipment increasingly depends on software, firmware, licensing and digital authentication. If these barriers remain, the ability to repair and refurbish equipment will continue to be limited, regardless of how many spare parts are available.

This is why Free ICT Europe continues to advocate for complementary legislation, including improvements to Ecodesign, the Cyber Resilience Act and the Data Act. Together, these policies can help create an environment where products are not only designed to be repaired but can also remain functional, secure and reusable throughout their full lifecycle.

This article is part of Free ICT Europe's six part series on the European Right to Repair Directive.

Previous: Wins for the IT Aftermarket Next: Navigating OEM Non-Compliance Risk.

Part 2: Wins for the IT Aftermarket

jan.hoogstrate@free-ict-europe.eu (Jan Hoogstrate) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:27:49 GMT

30 Second Summary

• The Directive strengthens the position of independent repair businesses.
• Manufacturers can no longer use unfair practices to block independent repair.
• Greater access to spare parts and price transparency create a fairer market.
• These changes help extend product lifecycles and support the circular economy.

While much of the public discussion around the Right to Repair Directive centres on consumer electronics, the legislation also delivers significant structural benefits for the professional IT repair and refurbishment sector.

One of the most important changes is the legal protection against practices that restrict independent repair. Manufacturers are explicitly prohibited from using software, hardware or contractual measures that prevent professional repairers from repairing products. This creates a stronger legal foundation for independent businesses operating within the secondary market.

The Directive also strengthens access to alternative spare parts. Professional repairers may use original, second hand, compatible or even certain 3D printed spare parts, provided they meet applicable safety and intellectual property requirements. This provides greater flexibility when sourcing components and helps extend the lifespan of products.

Another major improvement is increased price transparency. Manufacturers must publish indicative pre tax prices for spare parts in euros and make them available at a reasonable price. This gives independent repairers greater visibility into OEM pricing, enabling them to compete more effectively and demonstrate value to customers.

Although questions remain about how "reasonable pricing" will be interpreted and enforced across Member States, the Directive represents an important step towards a more open and competitive repair market.

In Plain English

This is good news for independent repair businesses.

Manufacturers will no longer be allowed to make repairs unnecessarily difficult by restricting access to parts or using unfair practices to block competition. Repair businesses will also have more freedom to use quality second hand, compatible or refurbished parts where appropriate.

By making spare part prices more transparent, the Directive creates a fairer marketplace. Independent repairers can better compare prices, compete with manufacturers and offer customers more cost effective repair options.

For the IT aftermarket, these changes help create a more level playing field while supporting a stronger circular economy.

Why this matters

For years, independent repair businesses have faced unnecessary barriers that limited competition and shortened the lifespan of valuable IT equipment.

The Right to Repair Directive begins to remove some of those barriers. By improving access to parts, increasing transparency and protecting independent repair, it creates new opportunities for repairers, refurbishers and maintenance providers to compete on quality, service and innovation rather than being restricted by manufacturer policies.

A competitive repair market benefits everyone. It encourages innovation, extends the life of valuable technology and gives customers more choice.

This article is part of Free ICT Europe's six part series on the European Right to Repair Directive.

Previous: The July 2026 Landmark Next: The Directive's Structural Shortfalls

Part 1: The July 2026 Landmark: A New Era for Professional Repairers

jan.hoogstrate@free-ict-europe.eu (Jan Hoogstrate) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:15:31 GMT

30 Second Summary

• The Right to Repair Directive comes into force on 31 July 2026.
• Professional repairers gain stronger legal rights.
• Manufacturers must provide better access to spare parts, repair information and repair tools.
• This marks an important step towards a more competitive and circular European repair market.

On 31 July 2026, the European Union's Right to Repair (R2R) Directive officially comes into force across all Member States. While much of the public discussion has focused on consumer rights, the Directive also marks an important milestone for professional repairers, refurbishment businesses and the independent IT aftermarket.

Manufacturers must provide professional repairers with access to spare parts, repair and maintenance information, as well as repair related software, firmware and other tools required to carry out repairs.

One of the Directive's strengths is its recognition of the term "professional repairer". Rather than distinguishing between independent repairers, maintenance providers and refurbishment businesses, it creates a single category that acknowledges the important role these organisations play in Europe's circular economy.

Member States must establish national registers for professional repairers, including B2B providers. For many businesses, registration will become an important gateway to accessing OEM repair information, diagnostic tools and spare parts.

The Directive also introduces greater market transparency. Manufacturers must publish indicative pre tax prices for spare parts in euros, making it easier for repair businesses to compare costs, compete fairly and demonstrate value to their customers.

By 31 July 2029, Member States must introduce at least one measure to encourage repair, although these initiatives are expected to focus primarily on consumer markets.

In Plain English

This is one of the biggest changes for independent repair businesses in years.

From July 2026, manufacturers can no longer keep repair information, spare parts and essential repair tools exclusively within their own networks. Professional repairers will have stronger legal rights to access what they need to repair products.

For companies repairing, maintaining or refurbishing IT equipment, this means more opportunities to compete fairly with manufacturers, offer customers more choice and help extend the life of valuable technology.

The Directive is not the complete solution, but it is an important next step towards a more open, competitive and circular IT market.

Why this matters

For years, independent repairers have argued that they can repair products just as safely and effectively as manufacturers, provided they have access to the right information, tools and spare parts.

The Right to Repair Directive begins to recognise that principle in law. While it will not solve every challenge overnight, it provides the independent repair sector with a much stronger foundation on which to build.

The Right to Repair is more than new legislation. It is the beginning of a more open, competitive and sustainable repair market for Europe.

This article is part of Free ICT Europe's six part series on the European Right to Repair Directive.

Next: Wins for the IT Aftermarket