The Federal Trade Commission is asking the public for comment on a new initiative that would require companies to provide repair instructions for appliances with the yellow EnergyGuide label. The initiative also calls on manufacturers to provide consumers with more information on energy efficiency.
“As prices rise, the Commission will continue to take aggressive action to protect consumers’ pocketbooks and strengthen their right to repair products themselves,” said Samuel Levin, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
The FTC said in a 2021 report that it found little evidence to support manufacturers’ justifications for limiting repair information.
“Access to this information will strengthen consumers’ right to repair damaged products without having to return to the manufacturer, giving them potentially less expensive repair options,” the FTC wrote.
If passed, the initiative would be the latest victory for the right-to-repair movement.
U June, New York passed a law requiring electronics manufacturers to provide repair information, parts, tools, software and components to consumers and independent repair providers. U 2021 yearPresident Joe Biden ordered the FTC to develop rules regarding the right to repair.
However, tech companies have fought back against repair efforts, saying these initiatives may harm intellectual property.
Watch this:
What is the right to repair?
9:35 a.m