The Spanish government is prioritizing measures to reduce dependency on critical minerals while addressing the increasing waste generated by consumer electronics.

Under forthcoming legislation, manufacturers will be required to finance the repair of certain durable products, even after their warranty periods expire.

The initiative is being developed by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry for Ecological Transition.

The proposed regulation is part of a broader strategy to enhance the domestic production and sustainable management of critical mineral resources, a plan that aligns with growing European interests in securing access to essential minerals such as lithium, copper, strontium, nickel, and tungsten.

This funding mechanism will draw contributions from electronics manufacturers, including major companies like Bosch, LG, Apple, and Samsung.

Revenue generated from this initiative will be directed towards co-financing repairs for commonly used household appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, televisions, smartphones, and laptops.

This funding model draws parallels with existing practices in the energy sector, where energy companies contribute to a state-managed fund for nuclear waste management.

The Spanish government seeks to ensure that companies benefiting from sales of specific products also assume responsibility for their repair obligations.

The legislation aims to encourage consumers to repair malfunctioning appliances instead of purchasing new ones, countering the prevalent issue of programmed obsolescence, in which companies design products with limited lifespans to hasten replacement purchasing cycles.

This initiative is part of the '2025-2029 Action Plan for the Sustainable Management of Mineral Raw Materials,' which aims to enhance Spain's strategic autonomy by securing supplies of critical resources necessary for economic development.

The proposal has the potential to create tension within the business sector, although it aligns with European regulations.

The funding initiative is informed by the 'Right to Repair,' which gained prominence in a European directive approved in June of the previous year, requiring all EU member states to implement these measures by July 31, 2026. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs plans to incorporate this obligation into the Sustainable Consumption Law, currently undergoing public consultation.

Incorporating this measure into the mineral raw materials strategy reflects efforts from the Commission on Circular Economy within the Ministry for Ecological Transition.

Officials emphasize the need for smarter resource usage to prevent over-extraction and waste generation.

Investing in durable and repairable goods is seen as imperative for reducing environmental impact while enhancing competitiveness and strategic autonomy.