Appliances and electronics: repairers must offer second-hand spare parts

Products concerned

The obligation to offer spare parts applies to certain parts (listed in R224-32 of the Consumer Code), for the following equipment:

• washing machine and dryer;
• dishwasher;
• refrigerators;
• televisions;
• laptops;
• mobile phones.

The repairer shall not be obliged to offer second-hand circular economy parts where such parts are not available within a time limit compatible with the date or time limit for the provision of the maintenance or repair service.

Consumer information

When servicing or repairing the appliance, repairers are obliged to inform consumers that they can opt for second-hand circular economy spare parts instead of new ones. This information must be displayed clearly, visibly and legibly from the outside at the entrance to their premises and in a clear, visible and legible manner on their website where it exists.

The repairer must collect the consumer's choice and keep it on a durable medium.

Where the repairer does not have the required used part, he must inform the consumer in a clear and visible manner on a durable medium. If more than one second-hand part can be offered for the same defective part, the consumer must be informed of the possibility of choosing between them and of the consequences of this choice on the time taken and the price of the repair.

Availability of laptop and mobile phone spare parts

Manufacturers and importers of portable computers and multifunction mobile telephones are obliged to ensure, for certain parts (batteries, chargers, motherboards, fans, keyboards, connectors, cameras, microphones...), the availability of these parts for at least 5 years. Spare parts for equipment (laptops and multifunction mobile phones) are listed in the decree no. 2021-1943 of 31 december 2021.