New FTC Rule May Require Repair Instructions for Major Appliances

The proposed regulation would mandate repair documentation for products with Energy Guide labels.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 8:24am

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A highly detailed 3D illustration of the internal components of a home appliance, such as a refrigerator or washing machine, glowing with neon cyan and magenta lights, conceptually representing the complex digital infrastructure powering modern household devices.Illuminating the hidden digital complexity of home appliances, this illustration symbolizes the FTC's push to empower consumers with repair documentation.Washington Today

The Federal Trade Commission has proposed a new rule that would require all products displaying the Energy Guide label, including major home appliances like refrigerators, washers, and air conditioners, to come packaged with repair instructions. This is seen as a major win for the right-to-repair movement, as it would make it easier for consumers to fix their own devices instead of having to replace them.

Why it matters

The proposed FTC rule is a significant step forward in the ongoing right-to-repair effort, which aims to give consumers more control over the products they own and reduce electronic waste. By mandating repair documentation, the FTC is tackling the lack of publicly available information that has made it difficult for consumers and independent repair shops to fix many modern appliances.

The details

The FTC's unanimous, bipartisan decision would require manufacturers to provide repair instructions for any product that carries the Energy Guide label, which covers millions of major home appliances sold in the U.S. each year. This includes refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, and more. The goal is to empower consumers to repair their own devices instead of having to replace them, which can save money and reduce environmental impact.

  • The FTC proposal was announced on April 20, 2026.
  • The public comment period is open for 60 days before the rule can be finalized.
  • If approved, the new regulation could go into effect by the end of 2026.

The players

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The U.S. government agency responsible for promoting consumer protection and preventing anticompetitive business practices.

Nathan Proctor

A spokesperson for the advocacy group U.S. PIRG, which has been a vocal supporter of the right-to-repair movement.

Lina Khan

The chair of the Federal Trade Commission, who has emphasized the importance of enabling consumer repair as part of the agency's mission.

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What they’re saying

“Repairing a product instead of replacing it is one of the best ways to cut down the environmental impact of our appliances.”

— Nathan Proctor, U.S. PIRG spokesperson

“I believe it is vital that the Commission use every tool available to it to vindicate Americans' right to repair their own products.”

— Lina Khan, FTC Chair

What’s next

The FTC is seeking public comments on the proposed rule for 60 days before it can be finalized. Consumers and repair advocates are encouraged to share their experiences and feedback to help shape the final regulation.

The takeaway

This FTC proposal represents a major breakthrough for the right-to-repair movement, as it would make it significantly easier for consumers to access the information they need to fix their own appliances instead of having to replace them. If implemented, it could have a substantial impact on reducing electronic waste and empowering people to extend the lifespan of the products they own.