How long must manufacturers really supply spare parts?
The obligation to keep spare parts in stock for years has long been a point of economic contention between manufacturers, retailers and supervisory authorities. With the EU Right to Repair Directive (2024/1799), which must be transposed into national law by mid-2026, the situation has become clearer — and binding for manufacturers across many product categories.
What the EU requires
The directive obliges manufacturers to provide spare parts for a product-specific minimum period. Concrete deadlines already apply for selected categories under the Ecodesign Regulations:
- Washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators: 7–10 years
- Televisions and displays: 7 years
- Smartphones and tablets: 7 years for function-critical parts, 5 years for others
- Servers and data storage: 8 years
For product groups without an explicit regulation, the directive applies as a fallback. The benchmark is a reasonable period measured against typical product lifespan.
Where manufacturers can optimise economically
The deadlines do not mean that every part must sit in your own warehouse for years. Three strategies significantly reduce capital tied up in stock:
- Demand-driven retention: Statistical analysis of historical repair data reveals which components are actually requested — usually 15 to 25 percent of the assortment.
- Centralised service hubs: Instead of regional warehouses, central locations consolidate spare parts for all of Europe. Storage costs fall while availability is maintained through optimised logistics.
- On-demand manufacturing: 3D printing and CNC production are worthwhile for small batches, especially for housings, mounts and plastic components.
Risk in case of non-compliance
Violations of retention obligations can be punished in Germany with fines of up to 50,000 euros per case. On top of that come damage claims from retailers and commercial end customers. Anyone unable to deliver as a B2B supplier risks contractual penalties and supplier replacement.
Conclusion
Structured spare parts management is no longer optional in 2026 — it is mandatory. Those who invest early — in data analysis, centralised warehouse structures and external service partners — not only meet regulatory requirements but reduce service and complaint costs in the long term.