Does the EU Ecodesign Directive Apply to Coffee Equipment?
A recent directive issued by the EU requires equipment manufacturers to supply spare parts for household appliances for up to ten years. And also ensure that commonly available tools can be used to replace spare parts.
These new requirements are specific to TV screens, refrigerators, lighting, household washing machines and dishwashers. Manufacturers must ensure that independent repairers have access to spare parts and repair information.
Interestingly some EU research has shown that electronic equipment waste is growing at 3-5% per year which is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the EU.
Some common reasons for not opting to repair equipment
- Not knowing where to repair products
- It requires too much effort
- No access to original spare parts
- No access to technical information, diagnostic software and training
The final two points are crucial if you decide to opt for your own repair. You should always check that whichever firm you choose to conduct your repair has access to these.
Some manufacturers limit these to their own after-sales services or to recognised repairers of a specific brand.
With the passing of Brexit this will have more of an indirect effect on the United Kingdom.
It seems inevitable that coffee equipment manufactured within the EU (yet sold in the UK) will fall within the influence of this directive. This would be great news for anyone who owns coffee equipment, because it will make a repair will become a much easier option!
The European Parliament is already calling for an extension of this directive. This is great news since they don’t currently specifically mention coffee equipment.
Many other stakeholders and consumers also support the widening of this directive.
Benefits to repairing and not replacing
- Choosing to repair your coffee equipment can save you money by helping postpone the need to buy another machine.
- Choosing a repair can also reduce waste and avoid the consumption of the raw materials associated with manufacturing new equipment.
The good news is that you don’t need just get in touch!
Contact Us for Coffee Machine Repair Services
Get in touch with our experienced engineers for your espresso and coffee machine repairs by phone 02039 574 961 or through our contact form.