The Repair Association is a staunch advocate for a competitive repair market and the enhancement of product quality and longevity. Our mission is to champion repair-friendly legislation, regulations, and standards across all products and industries.

The reality is that countless usable products and components are discarded or destroyed instead of being salvaged, repaired, and reused. We strive for products that endure and serve not just the first owner but also subsequent owners through structured and informal reuse and repair.

Guaranteeing Property Rights

Every product owner should have the unequivocal right to repair their items or choose the independent repair facility that suits their needs. Unfortunately, many manufacturers create barriers, whether intentional or not, that prevent consumers and independent repair technicians from mending their products, pushing them toward purchasing new items.

In our contemporary age, most repairs involve sophisticated electronics. As products increasingly incorporate embedded electronics, repairing them necessitates access to critical information, parts, firmware, and design tool specifications.

For a sustainable future, the knowledge and tools for product repair and refurbishment should be as widespread and accessible as the products themselves. Unlike the centralized nature of manufacturing, reuse should be decentralized to harness economies of scale. By fostering an economy that prioritizes extending the life of manufactured goods, we not only create job opportunities but also contribute to environmental conservation. It's imperative that products are designed with a vision for extended life through regular upkeep and repair.

Equal Access for All

It's essential that independent repair entities have the same level of access to diagnostics, information, and parts as official dealer facilities. Here's what we advocate for:

  • Information:

    • Manuals: Publicly accessible, standardized service manuals in electronic formats.

    • Schematics: Open access to semiconductor diagrams and data sheets.

    • Software Updates: Unrestricted access for owners and independent service providers to machine code, firmware patches, and fixes.

    • Licenses: Clear contract language that specifies what's included in the machine sale and prohibits restrictive clauses in End User License Agreements that might limit future support options.

  • Parts + Tools:

    • Availability: Service parts and tools should be accessible at fair pricing to equipment owners and third parties.

    • Patents: Foster an environment where patent licenses for repair parts and tools are available under equitable licensing terms.

  • Diagnostics:

    • Tools & Codes: Make available troubleshooting and diagnostic tools, codes, and service software.

  • Unlocking: Legalize the unlocking, adaptation, and modification of any part of a product, inclusive of its software.

  • Design for the Future: Incorporate Design for Repair principles into eco-design product practices, ensuring products are crafted with their entire lifecycle in mind.