Electronics and ICT: The Strategic Impact of the "Right to Repair"
For electronics manufacturers, the ESPR is not just about waste—it is about a fundamental shift in product architecture. Horizontal requirements for repairability and recyclability are set for 2027 and 2029. The regulation mandates that devices be designed for modularity, ensuring that consumers can replace batteries and screens without specialized tools.
The business "Why" is a shift from product-sales to service-revenue. If the law forces your hardware to last longer, your business model must capture value through software support, parts, and refurbishment services.
The Modular Mandate
Repairability Scoring: Consumers will soon see a "score" at the point of purchase indicating how easily a device can be fixed.
Spare Part Availability: Manufacturers must keep critical components available for 7 to 10 years after a product is taken off the market.
Anti-Obsolescence Rules: A ban on software updates that prematurely limit the functionality of older hardware.
Note: The Permanent Magnet Disclosure
A specific technical requirement is emerging for electronics containing permanent magnets. Manufacturers must disclose the weight, location, and chemical composition of these magnets to facilitate safe removal and recycling.
Strategic Advice: How to Prepare
Evaluate Disassembly Time: Audit your current device designs. If a battery takes more than 5 minutes or specialized heat tools to remove, you likely will not pass the 2027 thresholds.
Open Your Technical Files: Prepare to share disassembly instructions and schematics with independent repairers. The ESPR grants them a "restricted layer" of access to your DPP data.
Secure Rare Earth Traceability: Map the origin of magnets and critical raw materials now, as these are high-priority fields for the Electronics DPP.
For specialized electronics compliance support, contact info@dpp-link.com