The EU’s Right to Repair Directive: Opportunities and Challenges for Businesses and Consumers in the Asia-Pacific region

WHEN:  12 February 2026     I    TIME:  15:00-16:30 (Bangkok Time)   I  Register HERE

Background

Right to Repair (R2R) is the concept that consumers should have the right to fix their products, with access to parts, tools and documentation. From agricultural machinery and automotive vehicles to consumer appliances and electronics, many manufacturers have implemented physical, legal, informational, and digital barriers to independent repair. Blockages also include software restrictions that stop replacement parts from being used, known as ‘parts pairing’, which significantly increase costs to repair. “Design for obsolescence” is still widely practiced and leads to premature disposal of the products.

The EU’s Right to Repair Directive (R2RD) on common rules promoting the repair of goods was adopted on 13 June 2024 and entered into force on 30 July 2024. This law aims at promoting more sustainable consumption by increasing repair and reuse of goods both within and outside the legal guarantee. The scope of the Directive will be extended slowly in tandem with the rollout of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), as more product groups get added to ESPR, more will fall in scope of the R2R.

Repairs reduce waste and result in savings for consumers. Additionally, more demand will translate into a boost to the repair sector, while incentivising producers and sellers to develop products designed for easier repair and more sustainable business models. The law will make it easier and more cost-effective for European consumers to pursue repair as opposed to replacement, both within and beyond the legal guarantee.

While the Directive establishes binding repair obligations only for specific product categories such as washing machines, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, and other consumer products such as electronic displays, servers, and mobile phones – the overall policy intention apply more broadly to all consumer goods by promoting a general shift toward repair, longer product use, and reduced premature disposal.

The requirements of the R2RD also apply to products imported into the EU/EEA. Manufacturers established in third countries must appoint an authorised representative in the EU. Otherwise, the importer or distributor of the goods is responsible for compliance with the R2RD.

Repair is ubiquitous in many Asian countries. Easy to access and usually affordable, it is the first option for many Asian consumers. However, it may be becoming more challenging for certain products, such as the ones covered under this Directive. In addition, Asian businesses will want to know more about the information and repairability requirements enshrined in this new law to access the EU market.

Webinar Session:

The EU SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component and the European Environmental Bureau, are convening the webinar, The EU’s Right to Repair Directive: Opportunities and Challenges for Business and Consumers in the Asia-Pacific region  to:

• Understand why the EU is implementing this directive and what is the broader transition logic
• Discuss the EU Right to Repair Directive and how it may inspire R2R legislation in the Asia-Pacific region
• Understand how the R2RD implementation is being rolled out and if there any lessons learned in this process
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities for businesses in navigating the requirements of this legislation and how R2R can offer new opportunities for them

Moderator

Elodie MARIA-SUBE, Expert on EU policy development and partnership building at the SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component 

Elodie is specialized in European Affairs related to topics of circular economy, SCP, climate change and environmental management, and has extensive experience in stakeholder consultation and engagement at the EU level, as well as with high-level officials in Ministries of Environment and Finance in Asia. For over a decade, Elodie has worked in South and South-East Asia on environment and climate change. She is currently leading the SWITCH-Asia Technical Advisory project on Sustainable/ Green Public Procurement for Transformation.

Speakers

Eva BILLE, Head of Circular Economy, European Environment Bureau

Eva is in charge of the EEB activities around circular economy policy. She studied economics and graduated with a Master’s Degree specialising in resources, development and growth from Tilburg University. She has previously spent 10+ years as an EU policy consultant, working with major companies and trade associations in the Brussels bubble. She has also worked for the UN in Lebanon and spent 4 years working in China.

Ugo VALLAURI, Co-Director, International Strategy, the Restart Project 

Ugo Vallauri is co-founder and co-director of The Restart Project, a UK-based charity promoting repair to move away from our throwaway economy – making electronics work for people, for the planet, and for longer. He is a co-founder of Right to Repair Europe, the coalition advocating for ambitious right to repair legislation in Europe  for all electrical and electronic products. Ugo is a fellow of the Ashoka Foundation, with 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector globally.

Ed RATCLIFFE, Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Public Policy Institute 

Ed has more than 15 years’ experience in public policy and government affairs. He started his career in Brussels, advising businesses on engagement with the EU institutions, and on European public policy and legislation. He subsequently moved to Hong Kong where he led regional public affairs and legislative work in Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Ed was Country Director for a regional government relations firm in Myanmar before establishing an advisory practice with an Asia-focused think tank in London. He was most recently Head of Public Affairs at the UK’s technology business association, driving government engagement on tech policy for 1000 tech firms. 

Agenda