According to the will of the EU Parliament, consumers in the EU should benefit from longer-lasting products in the future thanks to stricter regulations. Software updates for technical devices are to be offered for a “reasonable period of time”, Parliament announced on Wednesday in Strasbourg. The same applies to devices that work with consumables such as ink cartridges, light bulbs or coffee pads. According to the information, spare parts and accessories are also covered by the new rules.
MEPs also demand that unsold textiles and electrical and electronic equipment should no longer be destroyed. The new rules should also make products more sustainable. “In future, consumers can be sure that the t-shirt, the sofa or the detergent meets minimum criteria to protect the climate, environment and resources,” said Anna Cavazzini, Chair of the Internal Market Committee of the European Parliament.
In addition, there should be a product pass in the future, with which consumers, independent workshops and researchers can get a lot of information about products, according to the Green politician.
The decision goes back to a project by the EU Commission. About a year ago, it proposed setting minimum standards for almost all goods in the EU internal market, for example with a view to durability, energy consumption or the possibility of repairs. The details still have to be negotiated by the EU states and the European Parliament before the new requirements can come into force. (dpa)