The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise support the European Commission’s Right to repair initiative and its objective of extending the useful life of goods. But before implementation, an impact assessment should be made so that it is ensured that environmental benefits exceed the costs for the industry.
Swedish Enterprise welcomes that the initiatives and regulations for prolonged life of goods are set at an EU-level. Harmonized rules are essential for a well-functioning internal market, with more sustainable production and consumption patterns.
It is important that the Right to repair initiative creates the right market conditions for repair services and second hand/refurbished goods, where new business models have the potential to be profitable, and where all actors compete on a level playing field. This includes that design protection for spare parts should be possible in all Member States, as an incentive for design innovation to facilitate repairs.
Before implementation, an impact assessment should be made to make sure that the implementation of the initiative is workable, proportionate, enforceable and ultimately will contribute to a circular economy. The environmental benefits must exceed the costs for the industry.
Read the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise’s position on the Right to repair initiative in the attachment.