EU adds extra warranty year for repairs, but Spain lags behind deadline

The EU's Right to Repair Directive requires that, when a consumer chooses to repair a defective product during the legal guarantee period, the seller's liability be extended by at least 12 months, potentially lengthening Spain's existing three-year guarantee to four years for qualifying purchases. The measure covers smartphones, tablets, washing machines and other appliances bought after the EU deadline of July 31 2026.

Spain missed the July 31 2026 deadline to incorporate Directive (EU) 2024/1799 into national law, so the European Commission opened infringement proceedings on September 25 against Spain and 17 other member states. A formal notice gives Spain two months to respond, after which further steps may follow if the response is deemed insufficient. Until Spain completes the transposition, retailers cannot be forced to apply the extra year, and shoppers must rely on one outlet three-year guarantee. The case underscores the EU's push to boost repairability and curb waste across the bloc.