In 2021, the UK introduced its first Right to Repair regulations, requiring manufacturers to make spare parts available for a range of electronic products. Since then, the rules have expanded, but most people still don't know what they actually guarantee - or where the gaps are.

What the regulations cover

The UK's rules, based on Ecodesign requirements, apply mainly to larger appliances - washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, and televisions. Manufacturers of these products must supply spare parts to professional repairers for a set number of years after a model stops being sold, and must design them so parts like doors, hinges, and thermostats can be replaced with basic tools.

Where the gaps are

Crucially, smartphones, laptops, and tablets are not yet covered by these specific rules in the UK, even though they're some of the most frequently replaced - and hardest to repair - devices people own. Availability of parts, repair manuals, and diagnostic tools for these categories is still largely down to how each manufacturer chooses to behave, not a legal requirement.

Why this matters for you

Until the law catches up, the practical right to repair your phone or laptop depends on independent repairers being able to source parts and keep the skills alive, regardless of what manufacturers make easy. That's the gap independent repair exists to fill.

The Repatch approach

Whether or not your device category is covered by regulation, Repatch's network of professional technicians can diagnose and repair most phones, laptops, tablets, and consoles - collected from home or work and returned, often within 2 hours - so you're not waiting on legislation to get a fair repair option.