NEW RULES GIVE CONSUMERS 'RIGHT TO REPAIR' APPLIANCES

摘要

The life of domestic appliances could be extended by 10 years following the introduction of legislation requiring manufacturers to provide spare parts. The rules are being introduced to combat planned obsolescence built into appliances that shorten a product's lifespan and generates around 1.5 million tonnes of electrical waste every year. From this Summer, manufacturers will be obliged to make spare parts for products available so that electrical appliances can be repaired by consumers. According to the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, this could extend the lifespan of products by up to 10 years, which is expected to save carbon emissions as well as waste. Commenting on the legislation, Cranfield University's director of manufacturing, Professor Mark Jolly said: "This law is a welcome step in creating a circular and more sustainable economy. Far too many products, particularly electrical ones, are simply discarded at what is assumed to be the end of their use life.