Right to Repair, Ban on Greenwashing, and Clear Information for Consumers. The Government of the Slovak Republic Approved an Amendment to the Consumer Protection Act.
On Wednesday, 21 May 2025, Minister of Economy and Deputy Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Denisa Saková, presented to the Slovak government a draft amendment to the Consumer Protection Act. The proposal, approved by the government, introduces a new right to repair, tightens rules on environmental claims, and strengthens consumer rights within the framework of the green transition.
“The Slovak consumer must have the same standing as a consumer in Germany or France. They must know how long a product will last, whether it can be repaired, and what is merely a marketing trick. The right to repair and the ban on greenwashing are concrete measures that change the rules in favor of people,” said Minister of Economy and Deputy Prime Minister Denisa Saková.
The amendment responds to two new European directives focused on combating unfair commercial practices and promoting repairs. Manufacturers will be required to provide repair for selected types of goods—such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, or mobile phones—at the request of the consumer, either free of charge or at a cost that does not discourage repair. At the same time, if the consumer chooses repair of the product as a remedy under the liability for defects (warranty claim), the trader’s liability period will be extended by 12 months.
The amendment also introduces a European repair information form, which will allow consumers to easily compare repair service offers. Once provided, the repair shop will be bound by the conditions stated in the form for at least 30 days. Slovakia is also creating a legal framework for future connection to the planned European online repair platform, which is expected to be launched in 2027.
The changes will also affect traders’ information obligations. Before concluding a contract, they will have to inform consumers about the product’s lifespan, the availability of spare parts, and software updates. Traders will also be required to visibly inform consumers about the statutory liability for product defects, as well as about the consumer guarantee for product lifespan—for example, by labeling directly on the shelf or packaging.
The amendment also significantly tightens rules in the area of so-called greenwashing. Traders will not be allowed to market a product as environmentally friendly or repairable unless they can clearly prove it. Practices that mislead consumers into prematurely replacing consumables, such as printer toners, will also be banned.
The law also responds to application practice and the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union. The legal regulation of liability for defects in second-hand goods is clarified, and the rules for presenting discounts to consumers are refined. When calculating a discount, traders will have to base it on the lowest product price in the last 30 days, in order to prevent misleading consumers about the size of the discount. A new supervisory authority will be the Office for the Regulation of Gambling—but exclusively in the field of gambling. References to the repealed EU regulation on online consumer dispute resolution are also being removed from the Act.
The Press Department of MoE SR