Lithuania is preparing new measures to encourage consumers to repair broken electronics rather than replace them, including extending warranties for repaired goods and joining a Europe-wide platform connecting repair services, officials said. The new rules are expected to take effect in the summer of 2027.
Thousands of tons of electronic waste reach the country’s collection and recycling centres each year, including washing machines, televisions, and smartphones. Many of these items could be repaired, but consumers often choose to replace them, even if the devices are still under warranty.
“People are consumers, they want the newest technology, the latest gadgets. We have Black Fridays, sales, people want to upgrade, follow trends. All of this leads to huge flows of electronic devices and consequently a large amount of electronic waste,” said Asta Pakštaitė-Marcinkienė, head of the Association of Manufacturers and Importers.
Last year, manufacturers and importers put more than 90,000 tons of equipment on the market in Lithuania, but only about 22,000 tons were collected as waste. Producers are legally required to collect and recycle 65% of sold electronics, yet only about a third is currently recycled, Pakštaitė-Marcinkienė said.
Extended warranties for repaired devices
Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė said the new measures aim to make it easier for consumers to repair defective products and promote sustainable consumption.
Under the proposal, devices repaired instead of replaced would receive extended warranties. For example, a new television typically has a two-year warranty. If a consumer chooses to repair it after one year, the warranty would extend to three years.
“This is a bonus for consumers who opt for repair. It sends a clear message: your warranty will be extended by one additional year. This will apply both to products still under warranty and those whose warranties have expired,” Tamašunienė said.
The State Consumer Rights Protection Authority supports the initiative, noting it strengthens consumer rights. However, most current complaints involve sellers refusing to replace defective items still under warranty rather than issues with repairs, the agency said.
Joining a European repair platform
Lithuania will join a Europe-wide online platform where consumers can find local repair professionals and companies. The platform is expected to help both consumers and small repair businesses, particularly in smaller towns.
“If there is a skilled repairer in Skuodas working officially, it is worthwhile for them to register so local residents can find them, and the warranty can be extended by a year,” Tamašunienė said.
The government has approved the new rules, which will now go to the Lithuanian parliament. While the extended warranty rules could take effect within six months, the EU repair platform is expected to launch in mid-2027.
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