When will the Directive take effect in Latvia?

Latvia must transpose Directive 2024/1799 into national law by spring 2026. Practical changes (repairability index on price tags, mandatory spare parts availability) will begin appearing in 2026-2027 for new models. There is no retroactive application to already-manufactured devices.

Does this mean repairs will become cheaper?

Not directly. Service centre labour costs remain the same. But availability of spare parts at reasonable prices (not inflated monopoly prices) will reduce overall repair costs. Competition between service centres with equal access to parts is also a positive factor for consumers.

Can I repair my own equipment under this Directive?

The Directive guarantees availability of spare parts and information — including for self-repair. However, complex electronics (TVs, power supplies) require skills and tools. For simpler things (battery replacement, robot vacuum brushes), yes — you'll be able to order original spare parts directly.

Does the Directive cover power tools and audio equipment?

Not yet — the current version covers a limited list of categories. But the list is planned for expansion. For power tools and audio equipment, we at SATER already source spare parts — but with the Directive, it will become significantly easier.

How is SATER preparing for these changes?

We've been operating as an independent service centre for over 30 years. The Directive gives us what we've long needed: guaranteed access to original spare parts and technical documentation. We already repair at component level — replacing capacitors, ICs, repacking batteries. With the Directive, we'll be able to offer even higher quality and faster service.

The Right to Repair in the EU — What It Means for Latvian Consumers

In 2024, the European Union adopted Directive 2024/1799 on the right to repair — a document that changes the rules for electronics manufacturers, service centres, and consumers alike. For us at the SATER service centre, operating since 1993, it's a long-awaited development: we've spent over 30 years advocating that equipment should be repaired, not discarded.

This article explains the Directive's substance in plain language and describes how it will affect people living in Latvia.

Why the Right to Repair Matters

The Problem: Planned Obsolescence

Many electronics manufacturers deliberately limit their devices' lifespan:

Non-replaceable batteries — when the battery degrades, the entire device must be discarded
Proprietary screws and fastenings — impossible to disassemble without specialised tools
Software locks — replacing a component triggers errors or function restrictions
Lack of spare parts — manufacturers stop producing parts 2-3 years after discontinuing a model
Repair monopoly — repair information available only to authorised service centres

The Scale

According to the European Commission:

Approximately 4.7 million tonnes of electronic waste are generated in the EU annually
77% of consumers would prefer repair over replacement if it were accessible and reasonably priced
The average smartphone is used for 2.7 years, though it could technically last 5-7 years

What Directive 2024/1799 Contains

Key Provisions

1. Manufacturer's obligation to repair — manufacturers must provide repair for defined product categories even after the warranty period ends.

2. Spare parts availability — manufacturers must ensure spare parts are available for at least 5-10 years after a model's discontinuation. Parts must be available to independent service centres, not only authorised ones. Prices must be reasonable.

3. Access to technical information — manufacturers must provide independent repairers with schematics, service manuals, diagnostic software, error codes, and calibration procedures.

4. Ban on anti-repair practices — prohibited: software-blocking functions when replacing a component with a non-original part (where replacement doesn't affect safety), unjustifiably proprietary fastenings, restricting access to firmware needed for repair.

The Repairability Index

The Directive introduces a mandatory repairability index — a score from 0 to 10 showing how easy a device is to repair. It will appear on price tags in shops, just as energy efficiency ratings do now.

France's example: France introduced its repairability index in 2021. The result: consumers began choosing devices with higher scores, and manufacturers responded — Apple and Samsung started offering self-repair kits.

How This Affects Latvia

Implementation Timeline

The Directive must be transposed into national legislation by spring 2026. Latvia, as an EU member state, is obliged to align its laws accordingly.

Currently: if the power supply fails in your 3-year-old Samsung TV and the model has been discontinued, finding a replacement part can be problematic. You're told: "Buy a new one."

After the Directive: Samsung must ensure the power supply is available for at least 7 years after discontinuation. And that part must be accessible not only to authorised service centres but also to independent ones — such as SATER.

What Changes for Service Centres

For independent service centres like SATER, the Directive provides long-awaited support:

Access to spare parts — no more hunting on secondary markets
Technical documentation — service manuals and schematics that were previously inaccessible
Competitiveness — we'll be able to offer repairs at authorised-centre level, often at a more reasonable price

Warranty vs Right to Repair

Swipe to see the full table

	Warranty	Right to Repair
Duration	2 years (EU Consumer Law)	5-10 years after discontinuation
Cost	Free	At consumer's expense
Who repairs	Manufacturer/authorised service	Any qualified service
What's covered	Manufacturing defects	Any fault (for a fee)
Parts	Original	Original or compatible

The right to repair isn't an extended warranty. It's a guarantee of the possibility of repair: that spare parts will be available, information will be open, and the manufacturer won't sabotage repair with software locks.

Fighting Planned Obsolescence

What's Already Been Done

France — first country to criminalise planned obsolescence. Fine: up to €300,000 and 2 years' imprisonment.
Universal charging (USB-C) — since 2024, all new smartphones, tablets, and cameras in the EU must use USB-C.
Software updates — smartphone manufacturers must provide security updates for at least 5 years.

What This Means for SATER

The SATER service centre has been at Silmaču iela 6 in Riga since 1993. We started when electronics were expensive and repaired by default. Over 30+ years, we've watched the industry shift to a "buy-discard-buy new" model. The Right to Repair Directive is a return to common sense.

We already repair televisions, robot vacuums, microwaves, audio equipment, and power tools at component level. With guaranteed access to spare parts and documentation, repair quality and speed will only improve.