What They Say
The Sunday Times reports that the French government is introducing a ‘repairability rating’ for smartphones, televisions, laptop computers, front-loading washing machines and lawn mowers from 1st January. A rating from 1 to 10 can be used, at the maker’s discretion (according to Le Figaro) and has to be shown next to the energy rating. Initially the system will apply only to brands that choose to participate.
The system will be applied to other products later. The government wants to reduce the percentage of products thrown away instead of being repaired from 60% now to 40% in three years. The move was made as part of an EU green deal.
What We Think
The original article that we spotted suggested that this was a requirement. However, the short notice and lack of detail about the way that the index would be calculated made that unlikely and Le Figaro confirmed that this is a voluntary scheme. However, it seems inevitable that at some point this requirement will be mandatory in the EU. It seems a good idea, to me. The better informed the consumer, the more efficient the market. Big brands of smartphone makers may be reluctant to take part without the scheme being compulsory and that may mean that the rating may not get used much in that market. (BR)
iFixit’s ranking shows that it is relatively unknown brands that top the list for repairability. Click for higher resolution https://tinyurl.com/yy9ekxj9
