Factor	Repair with Centric	Replace with New Device
Cost	Usually €40–€150 for most common issues	€500–€1200+ for a new laptop/phone
Device Lifespan	Extended by 1–3 years	Full reset, but expensive
Environmental Impact	Keeps device out of landfill, less e-waste	Adds to e-waste and resource use
Consumer Benefit	Affordable, fast, eco-friendly	Shiny new device, but costly

Every year in Malta, perfectly good laptops, phones, and tablets end up in landfills not because they can’t be fixed, but because the parts to repair them are either too expensive or simply unavailable. The EU’s new Right to Repair Directive, introduced in July 2024, aims to change this by making repairs easier, faster, and more affordable across Europe. At Centric, we believe this is a step in the right direction and one we’ve been championing for years.

What is the Right to Repair Directive?

• What Is the Right to Repair Directive

• Under the new rules, manufacturers will need to ensure that spare parts, tools, and repair information are accessible. Consumers will also benefit from:
• A European Repair Information Form with clear costs and timelines, valid for 30 days.
• An EU-wide platform to connect people with local repairers and refurbished product sellers.
• A 12-month warranty extension when choosing repair during the legal guarantee period.

This isn’t just about fixing gadgets it’s about breaking the cycle of planned obsolescence and reducing the mountains of electronic waste across Europe.

How the Right to Repair Affects Malta

Malta will need to transpose the directive into law by 2026. That means clearer consumer rights, more transparency, and, hopefully, faster access to spare parts for devices that Maltese consumers depend on every day.

But will it work in practice? That depends on enforcement. We’re not fully sure how much things will really improve once the directive is enforced. The big question is how it will actually be monitored, how will anyone know if manufacturers are really making spare parts and repair info available?

Centric’s Repair-First Perspective in Malta

At Centric, we’ve always believed in repair first. We understand the impact e-waste has on the environment and know that repairing isn’t just sustainable it’s practical and cost-effective for consumers.

As we see it:

• Retailers who see this as a “loss” because they’ll sell fewer laptops are looking at it wrong.
• Retailers can still profit from parts and services, while consumers save money.
• Repair shops like ours thrive on continuous repairs and when a device truly reaches its end, a new purchase can still be made. At Centric, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you get the most value from your technology.

Common Device Repairs we Handle at Centric:

• Laptop batteries and keyboard replacements
• Phone screens and phone batteries
• Hard drive faults and replacements
• Motherboard repairs (especially for desktops)

 

The frustration we hear most often from customers? Spare parts not being available locally. Sometimes they’re not even found in Europe. With Apple products, it’s even harder, original parts are almost impossible to find unless salvaged from other phones.

That’s why we fully welcome this directive. There is an immediate need for new parts to be accessible to the Maltese. Without these parts, perfectly good devices end up in landfills which is not fair on the planet, the consumer, or the technology itself. Why should a phone be thrown away just because its screen isn’t made available by its manufacturer?

 

The Bigger Picture: Sustainability and Local Economies

• Repairing instead of replacing helps:
• Consumers save money by avoiding frequent expensive purchases.
• Local repair shops like Centric grow stronger, offering personalized and affordable services.
• The environment benefits through reduced waste and resource conservation.
• This is how Malta can align with the EU’s circular economy goals while building resilient local economies.

Looking Ahead: Right to Repair in Malta

We believe Malta’s transposition of the directive should focus on real enforcement: ensuring parts and tools actually reach independent repairers. Without this, the spirit of the law won’t translate into everyday benefits.

At Centric, we’re ready. We’ll continue to provide the best repair solutions at fair prices, and with these new rules, we hope to serve our customers even better.

Final Thoughts: Why we Fully Support The Right to Repair

The Right to Repair isn’t just EU policy. It’s about fairness, sustainability, and common sense. We beleive that more spare parts available = fewer devices thrown away = happier consumers and a healthier planet.

If your laptop, phone, or PC is giving you trouble, remember: repair often makes more sense than replacement. At Centric, we’re proud to lead with a repair-first approach for Malta.

You can get your free repair quote here.😄