From Right to Repair to Refurbishment Standards: Why Original Parts Will Be Key to the Circular Economy

2018: A Policy Turning Point

In May 2018, the European Commission published a policy roadmap on improving product reparability. The document made a clear observation:

"Many products are not designed with circularity in mind, making them difficult to repair, upgrade, or remanufacture."

Earlier that same year, the EU adopted the Plastics Strategy (COM/2018/28) and a legislative package delivering on the Circular Economy Action Plan. The message was clear: products must last longer and be easier to fix.

What's Coming Next

While final legislation is still under discussion, the direction is already set. The proposed Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is making its way through the legislative process and is expected to become law in the coming years. One of its key innovations is the Digital Product Passport — a digital record that would track a product's repair history, spare parts sourcing, and recycling information.

In the automotive sector, a new End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation is being developed, expected to tighten traceability requirements for components used in repair and remanufacturing.

These trends all point in the same direction: the refurbishment industry will face stricter component standards.

Marketplaces Are Already Leading the Way

Amazon Renewed — the world's largest certified refurbished device marketplace — has already implemented strict requirements. The program explicitly states:

"Any refurbishing operation will only utilise Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts."

This is not a suggestion. It is a mandate. Refurbishers who want to sell on the platform must use OEM components and maintain traceability records.

What This Means for Refurbishers

For laptop refurbishers, the signal is clear: OEM compliance is moving from a "nice-to-have" to a "must-have".

Whether preparing for future EU regulations or meeting current marketplace requirements, traceable original parts are becoming the backbone of the refurbishment supply chain.

How Lapcell Positions Itself

Lapcell specializes in OEM Grade A original laptop touch screens — exactly the components refurbishers need to stay ahead of this trend.

Every screen we supply comes with:

• Functional testing before shipment

• Batch traceability records

• Confirmed model compatibility for HP, Dell, Lenovo, and Asus laptops

From upcoming EU regulations to established marketplace rules, Lapcell is committed to providing compliant, traceable original component solutions for refurbishment professionals.