Biden is stepping in to push the FTC to take action with new Right to Repair Legislation.
Biden signed an executive order that includes a strong endorsement for right to repair so the FTC will take action. This is a historic moment for the right-to-repair movement, which has been working for years to make it easier for independent appliance businesses help consumers with their broken products.
Manufacturers have intentionally made it difficult for independent repairs companies help consumers with their fixes, forcing them to work with original manufacturers.
The new executive order acknowledges that company restrictions of appliance parts, diagnostics and repair tools makes repairs time longer and more expensive. Consumers should have options for repairing their appliances.
The FTC has indicated it is hard to fix because repair restrictions drive consumers to manufacturers’ repair networks to replace products before the end of the product life.
Most independent repair businesses are small, locally owned companies who care deeply about their customers but sometimes struggle because they can’t get diagnostic equipment or the proprietary parts needed to perform basic repairs. If passed companies impose restrictions with third-party repairs will be lifted making repairs more effective. It will also allow for access to parts, diagnostics and repair tools.
If/when the FTC passes, it will be up to them to enforce too. Biden’s executive order is just the latest in a string of wins for the right-to-repair movement.
