Competition Commission publishes new Right to Repair rules for South Africa

South Africa's Competition Commission has finally published its guidelines in Repair, Service and Maintenance Aftermarkets, outlining the country's "right to repair" framework. The framework tackles consumer electronics, home appliances, and durable goods, while excluding the automotive industry, and aims to address restrictions on repair that could limit customer choice and inflate repair costs. The Commission's move also scrutinizes dominant Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) over excessive spare-part pricing and restrictive accreditation schemes, giving consumers more access to affordable repairs.