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is deemed to encourage repair as a more sustainable consumption choice, which in turn contributes to the climate and environmental objectives under the European Green Deal. With OEMs allegedly blocking access to wireless transmission of vehicle repair and maintenance data, the movement is believed to complement several other proposals presented by the Commission to achieve sustainable consumption throughout the entire life cycle of a product.

The bone of contention for OEMs in turn is that it could lead to safety risks and intellectual property violations. This introduction in the EU is thus setting the framework for a true ‘right to repair’ across the EU as per the European Commission. The proposal is also part of the European Commission’s broader goal of becoming the first climateneutral continent by 2050 which it believes “can only happen if consumers and businesses are consuming and producing more sustain ably.” Further, the EU passed legislation that required manufacturers to supply parts of products to professional repairmen for a decade. These initiatives are estimated to bring EUR 4.8 bn in growth and investment in the EU.

In the USA, the Federal Trade Commission is known to have directed manufacturers to remedy any unfair, anti-competitive practices. The manufacturers have been asked to ensure that consumers have the flexibility to carry out repairs themselves or by a third-party agency. Bills have been introduced in 28 states. The UK has also passed a law on the lines. In Australia, there are repair cafes that have it edge past other countries with a stand out phenomenon as an Australian system. The free meeting places have volunteer repairmen gather to put their repairing skills to good use. In India, the demand to align with International best practices augurs well for consumers and promises to restore equilibrium. Implementation will be the key. ACI