The right-to-repair movement has turned spare parts from an afterthought into a strategic category. For decades, smartphones, tablets and laptops were designed to be replaced rather than repaired, and parts supply for independent repairers was patchy, grey or informal. Regulation, consumer attitudes and sustainability policy are now pushing in the opposite direction, and that shift creates real opportunities for right-to-repair spare parts suppliers.
In the European Union, ecodesign rules for smartphones and tablets require manufacturers to make certain spare parts available to professional repairers for a number of years after a model is withdrawn from sale. A separate EU directive on promoting repair of goods strengthens the consumer's position further. Several US states have passed electronics repair laws, and similar debates are under way in other markets, including India.
For factories and distributors that make or supply screens, batteries, back covers, charging ports, cameras, speakers and small components, the question is how to turn this regulatory tailwind into sustainable, compliant business. This guide covers the market structure, quality expectations, compliance, channel strategy and the mistakes that sink new entrants.
What the right-to-repair wave actually changes
Right-to-repair is not a single law. It is a collection of rules and policies that, taken together, make repair easier and more attractive.
Regulatory drivers
- EU ecodesign requirements for smartphones and tablets cover spare parts availability, repair information, battery durability and design for disassembly.
- The EU repair directive requires manufacturers of certain products to offer repair and to provide information about repair services, and it aims to make independent repair more accessible.
- The EU Battery Regulation includes provisions on the removability and replaceability of portable batteries that are being phased in over time.
- US state repair laws in states such as New York, Minnesota and California require manufacturers to provide parts, tools and documentation to independent repairers under certain conditions.
The details, scope and timelines vary, and several of these rules are still being implemented. Suppliers should monitor official sources rather than rely on summaries.
Market consequences
- Independent repair shops gain better access to parts and information, which increases their volume and professionalism.
- Consumers become more willing to repair rather than replace, especially for premium devices.
- Manufacturers run official parts programmes, which raises quality expectations across the market.
- Retailers and telecom operators add repair services, creating new B2B buyers for parts.
Who buys repair parts and what they need
Understanding the buyer is the foundation of any spare-parts strategy.
Independent repair shops
They need fast delivery, broad coverage of models, predictable quality and fair returns handling. A shop that installs a faulty screen loses time, money and customer trust, so quality consistency matters more than the lowest price.
Repair chains and franchises
They buy in larger volumes, demand traceability and consistent grading, and often want account management, technical support and training.
Refurbishers
Refurbishment companies buy batteries, housings, screens and small parts in volume to restore used devices for resale. They care about cost per repaired unit and parts that do not trigger software warnings or functional issues.
Retailers, operators and insurers
Insurance-backed repair programmes and in-store repair services need suppliers that meet documented quality and compliance standards and can support service-level agreements.
Quality, grading and transparency
The spare-parts market has long suffered from inconsistent quality and unclear descriptions. Buyers increasingly reward suppliers who are transparent.
Clear grading
Describe exactly what the part is: original manufacturer part, refurbished original, or aftermarket. For displays, state the technology used and any differences from the original, such as brightness, colour accuracy, touch response or power consumption. Vague labels such as "high copy" create disputes and returns.
Testing and traceability
- Test every display, battery and flex cable before dispatch, not just samples.
- Record batch numbers and link them to test data.
- Provide defect rates by product line and act on trends quickly.
- For batteries, track cell origin, capacity, cycle testing and protection circuitry.
Warranty and returns
A clear warranty policy, fast replacement process and root-cause analysis for failures build long-term relationships with repairers.
Compliance for spare parts
Spare parts are not exempt from product rules. Batteries in particular carry significant obligations.
- Lithium batteries require UN38.3 test summaries and dangerous goods handling in transport. Replacement batteries may also fall under battery regulations, producer registration and labelling requirements in the EU, UK and other markets.
- Chemical restrictions such as RoHS and REACH apply to many components.
- WEEE and battery producer registrations may be required when you place parts on the market in a given country.
- Intellectual property is a real risk. Parts that copy trademarks, logos or protected designs can be seized by customs. Avoid branded housings and logos you have no rights to use.
- Import classification of parts can differ from finished devices, affecting duties and documentation.
Take specialist advice for each target market, particularly on batteries and trademarks.
Building a distribution strategy for repair parts
Coverage versus depth
Repairers want one supplier who can deliver most of what they need. You can compete on coverage (many models, many part types) or on depth (being the best in batteries or displays for specific brands). Trying to do both without the inventory to support it leads to stockouts and lost accounts.
Regional stock
Repair is time-critical. A customer waiting for a phone wants it back within a day or two, so repairers buy from suppliers who can deliver quickly from local stock. For suppliers based in Asia, this usually means working with a regional distributor or holding stock in regional warehouses.
Channels to consider
- Specialist repair-parts wholesalers and online B2B stores.
- Mobile accessory wholesalers that also serve repair counters.
- Direct accounts with repair chains and refurbishers.
- Marketplaces for tools, consumables and some parts, subject to their category rules.
Adding tools and consumables
Tools, adhesives, screen protectors, cases and cleaning products often sell alongside parts and can improve order value and margin. They also give a supplier a reason to be in regular contact with repairers.
A step-by-step plan for spare-parts suppliers
- Pick your focus. Decide on part types and device families where you have supply advantages.
- Define grading standards. Write down how each part is described, tested and labelled, and apply it consistently.
- Build a compliance file. UN38.3 and safety documentation for batteries, material declarations, producer registrations and a trademark review.
- Choose your first region. Select a market where right-to-repair momentum is strong and you can secure local stock.
- Appoint or partner with a regional distributor. Agree on stock levels, delivery times, warranty handling and data sharing.
- Win anchor accounts. Target a small number of repair chains or refurbishers who can provide steady volume and feedback.
- Measure quality relentlessly. Track defect rates, return reasons and customer feedback by batch.
- Expand coverage. Add models and regions as sales and quality data support it.
Mistakes to avoid
- Selling unclear or misleading grades that trigger disputes.
- Shipping batteries without proper dangerous goods documentation.
- Using logos or trademarks you do not own on housings and packaging.
- Promising broad model coverage without the inventory to back it up.
- Ignoring the growth of official manufacturer parts programmes, which raise the quality bar for everyone.
Partnering for international repair parts distribution
Building local stock, compliance and repair-shop relationships across several continents is demanding. A partner with existing regional operations can make the difference between a slow start and a scalable business.
Tercel Group is a global holding group working with more than 20 companies worldwide, with offices in Belgium, the UK, the USA, Dubai and India. Its group brands include AtoZ Parts Belgium, a mobile accessories wholesaler, and the group's brands are sold across multiple Amazon marketplaces, Walmart and its own marketplaces, supported by more than 12,000 distributors worldwide. Partnership options include exclusive regional distribution, market-entry services such as import, certification, marketplaces, dealer acquisition and after-sales, and AI-assisted outbound sales to dealers and retailers.
Explore our Mobile & Electronics Accessories sector, read how to partner with Tercel Group or book a meeting to discuss your parts range and target markets.
Key takeaways
- Right-to-repair rules in the EU and several US states are expanding demand for professional-grade spare parts.
- Repairers reward suppliers for consistent quality, clear grading and fast local delivery.
- Batteries carry the heaviest compliance load, including UN38.3 and producer obligations.
- Avoid trademark infringement on housings, logos and packaging.
- Regional stock and a trusted distribution partner are critical to winning repair-shop loyalty.
Frequently asked questions
Does right-to-repair legislation require manufacturers to buy from third-party parts suppliers?
No. Right-to-repair rules generally require device manufacturers to make parts, tools and information available to repairers and consumers. They do not oblige anyone to buy from third-party suppliers. The opportunity for independent suppliers comes from the growth in repair activity and professional repair businesses that need reliable, well-described parts.
What quality information should a spare-parts supplier provide?
At minimum, state whether the part is original, refurbished or aftermarket, describe any functional differences from the original, and provide test and batch information. For batteries, include capacity, cell information and safety test documentation. Transparent descriptions reduce disputes, returns and reputational damage for both the supplier and the repairer.
Are replacement phone batteries covered by battery regulations?
In many markets, yes. Replacement batteries are generally subject to transport rules such as UN38.3 and may fall under battery regulations covering labelling, producer registration and end-of-life collection, including the EU Battery Regulation. The exact obligations depend on the market and product, so confirm them with a compliance specialist before shipping.
How fast do repair shops expect delivery?
Most independent repairers want parts within one to two working days, because customers expect their devices back quickly. This is why regional stock is so important. Suppliers shipping directly from Asia usually struggle to compete on speed unless they work with a regional distributor or hold inventory close to their customers.