Washing machine, smartphone or vacuum cleaner broken: repair or replace? From 1 October 2026new rules apply in Austria that are intended to make repairs easier to compare and, in certain cases, easier to enforce legally. The Act implementing the Goods Repair Directive (Warenreparaturrichtlinie-Umsetzungsgesetz) has been passed and published as BGBl. I Nr. 60/2026. However, the new rights do not apply until the start date.
It is important to distinguish between two situations: a defect falls under the statutory warranty toward the seller – or a device is to be repaired by the manufacturer for payment outside of this seller liability. The new law connects both areas but does not replace a careful cost comparison.
What changes from 1 October 2026
- Repair obligation for certain product groups:Manufacturers must offer a repair for covered goods where technically possible. It may be free or at a reasonable price and must be completed within a reasonable time.
- One extra year of warranty after repair:If consumers choose repair instead of replacement for a defect covered by warranty, the warranty period is extended once by one year. This rule applies to contracts concluded after 30 September 2026.
- Comparable repair information:Repair businesses can use a standardized European form. It includes, among other things, the type of defect, price, duration and conditions. If the form is offered, its terms are generally valid for 30 days.
For which devices does the manufacturer obligation apply?
The obligation does not automatically cover every household item. It applies to product groups for which EU law already sets repairability requirements. These currently include, among others:
- Washing machines, washer-dryers and tumble dryers,
- Dishwashers and refrigeration appliances,
- Televisions and other electronic displays,
- Vacuum cleaners,
- Smartphones, cordless phones and tablets.
Which components must be repairable and how long spare parts must be available are determined by the respective product-specific EU regulations. The list can be extended later. A coffee machine or any kitchen appliance therefore does not fall under the new obligation just because it could in principle be repaired.
Warranty and manufacturer repair obligation are not the same
The WarrantyThe seller is generally the contact person. It concerns defects that were already present or latent at the time of handover. Within this procedure the choice between repair and replacement under statutory conditions still exists. New is the incentive for repair: after a repair, the period is extended once by one year.
The Manufacturer repair obligationapplies, by contrast, also outside the seller's liability for the covered product groups. A reasonable price may be charged for this. The law does not specify a flat euro maximum amount. A cost estimate and comparison with residual value, new price, energy consumption and expected useful life therefore remain important.
A prior repair by another business or person must not be the sole reason for the manufacturer to refuse repair of covered goods. However, impossible repairs may still be refused.
Defective device: These 7 steps help
- Switch off safely:Unplug household appliances, shut off the water supply in case of leaks and do not use the device further. Do not open areas that require specialist knowledge.
- Document the defect:Photograph the device, the model designation and visible damage. Note error messages, time and circumstances. If possible, back up personal data on a smartphone or tablet.
- Look for purchase documents:Clarify purchase date, seller, model, serial number and receipt to determine whether a warranty case, a voluntary guarantee or a paid repair is likely.
- Choose the right contact person:If a warranty may apply, contact the seller in writing first. For the new repair obligation outside the seller's liability, the manufacturer is generally responsible for covered products; depending on the location, authorized representatives, importers or distributors may step in.
- Request an offer in writing:Ask about diagnostic costs, total price or price range, spare parts, transport, duration and possible loaner device. A European repair information form makes comparisons easier but is not mandatory in every case.
- Compare costs realistically:Compare repair costs with residual value, age, energy consumption and expected remaining useful life. Also consider data transfer, installation or disposal of a replacement device.
- Document the handover:Have condition, accessories, serial number, agreed costs and return date confirmed in writing. Keep the repair invoice and work report together with the purchase receipt.
What you can prepare before October
Store invoices digitally by device type and photograph nameplates after purchase. That way neither model nor serial number will be missing in case of a defect. Manufacturer contacts and available spare parts can also be checked in advance. Also protect devices from avoidable damage: The guide Cool your phone properly in the sun explains how to deal with overheating. In case of thunderstorm the overview Which plugs you should unplug at home.
Three common misconceptions
"Every repair will be free."No. Outside the warranty, a reasonable price may be charged.
"This already applies."No. The Austrian provisions come into force on 1 October 2026; the extended warranty period applies to contracts concluded thereafter.
"Every electrical device must be repaired."No. The obligation is tied to specific EU product regulations. Before commissioning a repair, it should be checked whether the product group and the specific defect are covered.
Status: 6 August 2026. This article provides general guidance and does not replace individual advice.
