1. Workshop on flagship on durable goods
▸ Ursula Pachl and
▸ Angeliki Malizou
General Assembly
Place : Brussels
Date : 15 November 2013

2. Background
Consumers have difficulties in enforcing their legal guarantee rights. These rights play an essential role in promoting sustainable consumption.
Durability of products (such as household appliances, communications devices, cars) is an important element of sustainable consumption.

3. Objectives
Have the means to use the guarantee rights successfully – reversal of the burden of proof
Longer guarantee period
Fight planned obsolescence
Stop unfair business practices regarding the enforcement of guarantee rights
Availability of spare parts  

4. Context within BEUC work programme
This flagship falls straight into our priorities on
consumer rights and redress and
sustainability
…. in line with our 2020 vision paper

5. Strategy Legislative initiatives:
Review of the 1999 directive on consumer sales –
to achieve objective a),  b), c) and d)  
Review of the Ecodesign and the energy labelling directive
to achieve objectives b), c) and d)

6. Consumer Sales Directive
Consumer Sales directive (1999/44/EC) sets a minimum mandatory standard of consumer rights regarding legal guarantees ( and commercial guarantees):
Main elements:
2 year guarantee period
6 months of reversal of the burden of proof for the lack of conformity

7. Ecodesign & Energy Labelling Directive
Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC) aims at setting requirements on the significant environmental aspects of energy-using and energy-related products.
Energy Labelling Directive (2010/30/EU) informs consumers about the consumption of energy and other resources by energy-related products. It aims at helping consumers choose products which save energy and provides incentives for the industry to develop and invest in energy efficient product design.

8. Strategy (suite) Non –legislative initiatives : Enforcement actions
Enforcement actions
Awareness raising
Business best practices
Sustainability: High Level Platform on Resource efficiency etc

9. Strategy (suite) Research is needed:
Current problems with the use of guarantee rights  
How to dismantle planned obsolescence

10. National level activities
Better application /enforcement of guarantee rights
Sustainability aspects of guarantee rights
Obsolescence, spare parts, reparability

11. What Communication Tools?
Examples of practical aids to supplement conventional press action.
A Media Kit for members which could contain:
Messaging Advice; Facts & Figures; Stock Phrases
Factsheet
High-profile Brand Example List detailing Product; Lifespan; Typical Cost e.g. Apple iPads, washing machines, laptops etc.
BEUC press release archive
Statistics synopsis
For use with external stakeholders:
Dedicated mini-website very ‘lay-user’ friendly upload cases etc.
Gimmick for MEPs – e.g. a backwards ticking clock with obsolescence/sustainability message on rear
Academic study or related materials

12. Timeline Some elements Research - as soon as possible EU legislation:
Hearing of new Commissioners in September 2014
Work programme of new EP Committees
(Preparation of ) Revision of ecodesign and energy labelling directives
Continuation of Revision of the consumer acquis ?

13. www.beuc.eu – consumers@beuc.eu