Documents and Laws in Parliament

The Act transposes EU Directive 2024/1799 and introduces a new obligation for manufacturers, or where applicable importers or distributors, to repair selected products even after the expiry of the statutory warranty period, provided that EU repairability requirements have been laid down for them. Manufacturers may not refuse a repair solely because it was previously carried out elsewhere and must ensure that the repair is provided within a reasonable time and at a reasonable price, while being obliged to ensure the availability of spare parts, information and tools necessary for repairs. At the same time, the Act prohibits technical, contractual or software-based restrictions on repairs and supports the involvement of independent repairers.

Consumers are granted the right to request a European repair information form, which transparently sets out in advance the price, duration and conditions of the repair and is binding on the repairer for at least 30 days; if the repairer does not inform the consumer of the price of diagnostics in advance, it is deemed to be free of charge. The legislation further introduces a European online repair platform with free access for consumers, intended to facilitate the search for repair services and support the circular economy. Supervision of compliance with the obligations is entrusted to the Czech Trade Inspection Authority, and breaches of key obligations may result in sanctions of up to CZK 5,000,000, with the Act entering into force on 31 July 2026.

The law comprehensively revises the entire area of battery regulation to align with the new EU Regulation 2023/1542, replacing the existing legal framework with a new system of definitions, battery categories, and manufacturer obligations. Manufacturers of portable, industrial, and light transport batteries are now required to operate within collective systems, which have stricter rules for financing, reserve creation, eco-modulation, and equal treatment of individual manufacturers. Additionally, obligations are expanded in areas such as labeling, disclosure of recycling contributions, safe removability, and technical parameters, including requirements for carbon footprint checks, battery lifespan, and digital battery passports.

The law significantly strengthens oversight mechanisms—both the Czech Trade Inspection Authority and customs authorities are granted extensive new powers to protect the market, curb free-riding, and enforce collection and recycling, complemented by an expanded catalog of offenses and sanctions. Legislative amendments also address electrical equipment, tires, and vehicles, resolving interpretative ambiguities and harmonizing rules for take-back systems. Transitional periods are introduced until 2027, allowing manufacturers, distributors, and collective systems to adapt their processes to the new EU requirements.

The practical outcome is more transparent recycling financing, stricter oversight of manufacturers and sellers, including e-shops, and unified procedures for conformity assessment in placing batteries on the market. The tightened rules aim to increase collection and recycling rates, strengthen environmental protection, and ensure fair business conditions in the battery market.

The law comprehensively clarifies the rules for environmental claims, prohibits unverified “green” labels, and imposes an obligation on businesses to substantiate the accuracy of information regarding the sustainability, durability, or carbon neutrality of products. Information obligations are significantly expanded, including the requirement to disclose data on repairability, the availability of spare parts, and the duration of software updates, aiming to increase transparency and reduce consumer deception. At the same time, the list of prohibited unfair practices is expanded, particularly those related to “greenwashing” and premature obsolescence of products.

Consumers gain a new right—if they choose to repair an item, the liability for defects is automatically extended to three years, and sellers are required to actively inform them of this option. The Civil Code is also amended, introducing a harmonized notification of rights concerning defective performance and a mandatory warranty label for product lifespan, thereby standardizing regulations across the EU. The law also abolishes rules related to the now-defunct European online dispute resolution platform.

Supervisory authorities are granted broader powers to verify the accuracy and transparency of business claims, though without increased budgets, which may place greater demands on their capacities. For businesses, this means an increase in administrative obligations and the need to adapt marketing and informational practices to the new European harmonization being implemented by the state to avoid EU sanctions.

The law introduces an obligation for selected providers of digital services to establish a branch or appoint a representative to enable the effective delivery and enforcement of orders related to electronic evidence in criminal proceedings within the EU.

This obligation primarily applies to electronic communication services, domain services, and hosting providers that operate cross-border and have a substantial connection to the Czech Republic or another EU member state. Providers must supply contact details, designate a language for communication, and ensure sufficient authorization and resources to fulfill these obligations.

The Czech Telecommunication Office (ČTÚ) will oversee compliance with these obligations, cooperate with authorities in other states, and may impose fines of up to CZK 10 million. The law merely harmonizes European rules and does not apply to service providers operating exclusively within the Czech Republic.

The new law brings fundamental changes in the management of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) and ozone-depleting substances. The Act implements European regulations and introduces new obligations for natural persons, entrepreneurial natural persons, legal entities, medical facilities and other entities.

Certified persons must complete regular refresher training every 7 years, with the first deadline set for March 12, 2029. The cost of training ranges between CZK 3000-15,000 without VAT per person. Certified persons and companies must keep records of the use of F-gases, their quantity, type and method of use, and keep them for 5 years.

Operators of equipment containing F-gases must provide leak detection systems, regular leak inspection, leak repairs, and maintenance records. Failure to comply with these obligations can lead to fines of up to CZK 5,000,000.

Producers, importers and sellers of fluorinated greenhouse gases must report regularly to the Ministry on their use, storage and transport. The law introduces severe sanctions for breaches of obligations, including fines of up to CZK 5,000,000.

Healthcare facilities must record the use of the anesthetic desflurane, which will be banned from 1 January 2026 unless it is medically necessary. The records must be kept for 5 years.

The law abolishes some fee obligations, which can bring savings, but at the same time introduces new administrative obligations that can increase the costs of administration and reporting.

Customs authorities are gaining new powers, including detaining controlled substances and products on suspicion of violating the law. Information on the export and import of these substances must be shared between the competent authorities.

The law comes into effect on July 1, 2026, which provides time to prepare and adapt to the new obligations. The transitional provisions set deadlines for the fulfilment of certain obligations, such as the disposal of controlled substances within 3 months of the effective date of the Act.