On July 31, 2026, the new “Right to Repair” will take effect. For you as an online retailer, one change is particularly important: If a customer chooses repair over replacement in the event of a defect, the warranty for that product is extended by twelve months. And in the future, you must inform the customer of this option before proceeding with the repair or replacement.
At a Glance
- What: The new “Right to Repair” transposes EU Directive (EU) 2024/1799 into German law. The Bundestag passed the law on June 25, 2026.
- Effective Date: The new sales law rules apply to sales contracts concluded on or after July 31, 2026.
- Most Important Change for Sellers: If the buyer chooses repair over replacement, the warranty for the repaired product is extended by twelve months.
- New duty to inform: Before repairing or replacing a product, you must inform the buyer of their right to choose and the possible extension—for example, via email.
- For manufacturers: Additionally, for certain repairable products (e.g., washing machines, dishwashers, smartphones), consumers will have a direct right to repair from the manufacturer.
Timeline at a Glance
Law Enacted
The Bundestag passes the implementation law for the EU “Right to Repair” Directive. The course has been set.
Preparatory Phase
Prepare and customize the complaint process, informational texts, and email templates for cases of defects.
Effective Date
The new obligations under sales law apply to all sales contracts concluded on or after this date.
What Applies Now—and What Will Apply Starting July 31, 2026
What Changes for You as a Retailer
Repair extends the warranty
If a product is defective, the buyer can already choose between repair (rectification) and replacement (substitute delivery). The new rule is as follows: If the buyer chooses repair, the warranty for that product is extended once by twelve months—calculated from the day the repaired item is returned to the customer.
For you as a retailer: Keep a record of when a repaired item was returned—that date marks the start of the extended warranty period.
New Duty to Inform Before Rectification
Before you repair or replace an item, you must inform the buyer that they can choose between the two options and that the warranty is extended by one year in the event of a repair. A brief written notice—such as via email—is sufficient. This ensures that the repair is explicitly offered as an attractive option.
For you as a retailer: Create a standard notification text or email template for complaint cases so that this notification is never overlooked.
Repairability Becomes a Quality Feature
Whether a product is repairable will, in the future—alongside durability, functionality, and safety—be considered part of the quality required by the contract. If, contrary to reasonable expectations, a product cannot be repaired at all, this may constitute a defect. In the business-to-business (B2B) sector, this criterion applies only to contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2028.
For you as a retailer: When providing product information, be careful not to promise repairability that the product does not offer.
Direct Right to Repair Against the Manufacturer
For certain product groups specified by law—such as washing machines, dishwashers, or cell phones—consumers have a direct right to repair from the manufacturer. This part of the new regulation primarily affects manufacturers, not mere resellers.
For you as a retailer: If you sell your own products or are considered a manufacturer under the law, you should also review the manufacturer’s obligations.
Terms and Conditions: No Changes Necessary in Many Cases
The new obligations arise directly from the law and apply automatically—even without amending your General Terms and Conditions. If you manage your legal documents through a specialized provider, updating the General Terms and Conditions is not necessary in many cases.
For you as a retailer: More important than the Terms and Conditions is the practical process—providing notice in the event of a complaint and ensuring the deadline is calculated correctly.
Transparent warranty information pays off
Clear, easily visible warranty information builds trust and prevents misunderstandings in the event of a complaint. XONIC displays the warranty information even before the purchase—on the product page, in the shopping cart, at checkout, and in the order confirmation.
For you as a merchant: Take advantage of this consistent display to keep your customers well-informed from the very beginning.
What XONIC customers can do now
Adjust the complaint process
Prepare a standard message to send to customers in the event of a complaint: Offer a choice between repair and replacement—and extend the warranty by one year if the item is repaired.
Document Deadlines Accurately
For each repair, note the date the item is returned to the customer. The warranty for the repaired product, extended by twelve months, begins on that date.
Have Legal Texts Reviewed
Review your legal texts with your legal service provider. If you maintain your terms and conditions through a provider like janolaw, in many cases you won’t need to make any changes.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Right to Repair
What is the new “right to repair”?
It is the German implementation of EU Directive (EU) 2024/1799. It is intended to promote the repair of goods. For sellers, it is particularly important to note that a repair in the event of a defect extends the warranty and that customers must be informed of this in advance.
When does the new regulation take effect?
The new obligations under sales law apply to sales contracts concluded on or after July 31, 2026. For existing contracts entered into before that date, the previous law remains in effect.
By how much is the warranty extended following a repair?
By twelve months, once per repaired product. The extended period begins on the day the customer receives the repaired goods back.
Do I have to actively inform my customers?
Yes. Before performing a repair or replacement, you should inform the customer that they can choose between the two options and that the warranty will be extended by one year if a repair is performed. A written notice, for example via email, is sufficient.
Does this apply to all products?
The extended warranty following a repair applies to repairable goods in general. The additional direct right to repair against the manufacturer applies only to certain product groups specified by law, such as washing machines, dishwashers, or cell phones.
Do I need to change my Terms and Conditions for this?
Usually not. These obligations apply directly by law. If you manage your legal documents through a specialized provider, in many cases you will not need to adjust your terms and conditions. What matters is the practical procedure in the event of a complaint.
Sources & Further Information
- Directive (EU) 2024/1799 (Right to Repair) – EUR-Lex
- Act on the Promotion of the Repair of Goods – Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection
Preparing Your Complaints Process for 2026
Contact us—together, we’ll set up informational texts and templates so you can reliably implement the right to repair in your day-to-day operations.
Contact Us Now Learn More About the XONIC Shop System
Stephan Dunger
Stephan Dunger is one of the brains behind the XONIC store system. He has been developing the platform together with the team since 2012 - from the database to the interfaces to the checkout.
A passionate programmer, technical mind and consultant at the same time: with his in-depth knowledge of store systems and e-commerce, Stephan combines the depth of a developer with an eye for the big picture. Together with the XONIC team, he shapes the technical direction, consistently thinks about functions from the retailer's perspective and advises on customized solutions.
The result is software with a face: customers don't get an anonymous provider, but a direct line to the people who develop XONIC. Pragmatic, fast and at eye level.
