Starting at the end of July, the European Union’s Right to Repair directive will come into effect, promoting the idea that consumers should have the ability to repair their electronic devices rather than replace them. Industry representatives believe this will lead to an increase in the repair of electronics among Polish consumers.
However, the implementation of this EU directive in Poland poses its own challenges. Reports indicate that UOKiK, the Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection, is already working on the project, which will cover a wide range of products including washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, mobile phones, refrigeration units, displays, servers, as well as bicycles and electric scooters. The government is expected to adopt these regulations by the third quarter of 2026.
“The Right to Repair should encourage consumers to ask themselves a simple question: how long should my device last versus how long does it actually last?” said Kilian Kaminski. He emphasized that if this initiative leads to the repair of devices rather than their replacement, it would be a significant achievement. He also noted that when devices do need replacing, refurbished equipment is often a better choice than new, especially as software support periods are becoming shorter, limiting the lifespan of many devices.
The Market Could Be Worth Billions of Euros
Kilian Kaminski also predicted that the market for refurbished smartphones in Europe could be valued at between €8.5 billion and €10.5 billion by 2026. He pointed out that new flagship devices regularly surpass €1,000, and the gap between the price of a new phone and what consumers are willing to pay is growing faster than wages.
Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland, stands out as a region where a significant portion of device refurbishment processes and related expertise is concentrated. This proximity means Polish consumers have access to places where equipment is actually refurbished rather than simply sold.
Kaminski further indicated that the demand for refurbished electronics is particularly high in Poland, stating, “Demand exceeds our initial forecasts by almost five times, making Poland one of the most successful market entries for refurbished products. This is not a minor deviation but a clear signal: Polish consumers are ready for refurbished electronics and do not view it as merely an additional, ‘nice’ option. This also indicates that despite tight budgets across Europe and consumer concerns about rising living costs and inflation, the demand for quality, affordable electronics remains robust.”
Additionally, the entrepreneur shared his recommendations for the implementation of the Right to Repair law, proposing three specific changes: first, to publish a transparent template or establish caps on the prices of spare parts—suggesting that the cost of the most expensive part should not exceed 20% of the product’s value; second, to create a narrow and clearly defined list of situations in which manufacturers can block repairs instead of a broad intellectual property exception, placing the burden of proof on the manufacturer; and third, to enshrine specific provisions in national law that prohibit part pairing and repair blocking.
