Extending the duration of guarantees on consumer durables to a decade would change production models, international trade, domestic employment and society’s attitude to the ownership of goods.

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Longer guarantees could be a simple route out of consumerism. Friends of the Earth estimates that in France 80% of products which break down while under guarantee are returned to the retailer or the manufacturer for repair. The percentage varies between products: people are less attached to printers than to watches, which they expect to last longer, even if they cost the same. Statistics show most consumers assert their rights when they can.

But once the guarantee ends, the number of products sent for repair falls drastically, to less than 40% for household appliances and consumer electronics. Many users decide it is easier and/or cheaper to buy new. Changing the law would extend product service life: the longer the guarantee, the more products would be repaired and the longer their lifespan. Replacement rates, and so the consumption of natural resources and energy for production, would fall correspondingly. Guarantees may not seem important but they could be powerful tools for economic and political change.

Consumer associations in France have formed a collective to campaign for longer guarantees. In October 2016, Friends of the Earth, supported by a number of French NGOs. launched a petition calling for guarantee periods to be extended to 10 years. Since the consumer protection law of 2014 (the ‘Hamon act’), France has set the minimum at two years, in line with a 1999 EU directive. Until then, manufacturers could offer as little as six months. A minimum of 10 years (or longer) would change our world, transforming production and consumption patterns. Combined with other measures, ending the constant replacement of products would make for greater environmental sustainability.

Manufacturers restrict availability of parts to ensure obsolescence, so getting hold of them is tedious; retailers often don't know if they are available, and consumers aren't prepared to wait

It’s easy to see why industry is fighting this: (...)