The Internal Market Committee of the EU Parliament wants to see consumer protection as well as the sustainability and safety of products strengthened with a series of measures. In a resolution for an environmentally compatible internal market for companies and consumers, the MPs appeal to the EU Commission to introduce a “right to repair” as soon as possible. Repairs should therefore be more attractive, more cost-effective and the standard.

For the resolution were 20 Committee members with 2 dissenting votes and 23 abstentions. The panel also calls on the Commission to consider labeling products and services according to their shelf life. There is a need, for example, to be able to measure the degree of consumption and clear information about the estimated service life of a product. The parliamentarians want to promote the market for used goods and more sustainable production practices.

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For uniform chargers, against planned obsolescence In order to reduce electronic waste, MEPs are once again insisting on a uniform system for chargers. In fact, there have been EU guidelines for years, according to which manufacturers of mobile phones, tablets and other devices that use the radio spectrum must supply their customers with a universal charging plug. Corporations such as the iPhone manufacturer Apple have only partially complied with these non-watertight requirements.

The committee also wants to counteract the planned obsolescence. The aim is to restrict practices that intentionally shorten the life of a product. According to MPs, security updates for certain digital devices must continue throughout their planned lifespan. There should not be any unexpected performance losses in this range.

According to a Eurobarometer survey, 77 percent of the EU want -Citizens prefer repairing their devices than constantly replacing them. 79 percent are in favor of obliging the manufacturer to facilitate the repair of digital devices or to replace individual parts. The Commission has already envisaged a right to repair itself with an action plan for the circular economy.

Sustainability in procurement and advertising

MEPs are also pushing for more sustainable public procurement and responsible marketing. Sustainable business and consumer decisions should also be supported through advertising. Clear guidelines are required for products that claim to be environmentally friendly.

The representatives are also bringing another certification program for a new eco-label into play. For example, when making environmentally friendly claims in an advertisement, uniform criteria should be followed so that the information can be easily verified.

MEPs also propose new rules for waste management. Legal barriers to the circular economy that prevent repair, resale and reuse are to be removed. This will also benefit the secondary market for raw materials.

For product safety, against misleading practices In another resolution on product safety in the internal market, which the committee adopted with 45 votes, the MPs with the problem of unsafe makes. Above all, you have an eye on online marketplaces and the sale of products that contain dangerous chemicals or unsafe software as well as other security risks