Right to repair refers to the principle that consumers and independent repair businesses should be able to repair the products they own without being blocked by manufacturers through design, software, or parts availability. It is increasingly becoming law in major markets, and product designers who are not thinking about it now will be redesigning for it later.
What the Legislation Says
The European Union introduced right to repair legislation in 2024, requiring manufacturers of many product categories to make spare parts, repair manuals, and diagnostic tools available to consumers and independent repairers. Australia has ongoing policy discussions moving in the same direction, and several US states have passed right to repair laws covering electronics, agricultural equipment, and medical devices.
The direction of travel is clear. If you are designing a product today that you intend to sell in these markets over the next five or ten years, designing for repairability is not optional: it is the direction the market is heading.
What Right to Repair Means in Practice for Product Design
- Accessible fasteners: products that can be opened with standard tools, not proprietary screws designed to prevent access
- Replaceable components: batteries, screens, motors, and other wear components designed to be replaced rather than requiring the whole product to be discarded
- Available spare parts: designing with a supply chain for spare parts, not just for the finished product
- Repair documentation: assembly and disassembly instructions that can be provided to repairers
- Software access: for electronic products, not using software locks to prevent diagnosis and repair
Why This Is Also Good Design
Designing for repairability is not just about compliance. It is also good product design. Products that last longer, that can be maintained and repaired, build more customer loyalty and generate less negative environmental impact. In an increasingly sustainability-conscious market, this is a genuine brand differentiator.
Pro-Dev designs with right to repair in mind. We are a member of Plastics NZ and we think about product longevity, repairability, and responsible material use as part of our standard design process. If right to repair is relevant for your product or your target market, raise it in your consultation and we will design for it from the start.
