In a move aimed at empowering consumers and tackling the growing e-waste problem, the Indian government has announced the launch of a ‘repairability index’ for mobile phones and electronic products by December. This initiative will allow consumers to make better-informed purchasing decisions and push manufacturers to design more easily repairable items.
What is the Repairability Index?
The repairability index will serve as a guide for consumers, providing a clear rating on how easily a product can be repaired. Manufacturers will be required to display this index on their products, similar to the system in France. The index will rate products on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 indicating difficult-to-repair items and 5 representing products that are easy to repair, such as those allowing direct access to critical components like batteries or displays.
Encouraging Sustainable Practices
The introduction of the repairability index is part of a broader effort by the government to promote a circular economy and reduce e-waste. By encouraging manufacturers to create products that are easier to repair, the initiative aims to extend the lifespan of electronic devices, thereby reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing environmental impact.
Criteria for Evaluation
The index will assess products based on several criteria, including the availability of technical documents, ease of disassembly, spare parts availability, and the pricing of these parts. Products that score higher on the index will be those that allow consumers to replace components without dismantling multiple parts of the device.
Government’s Vision
Speaking at a workshop on the ‘Right to Repair Framework,’ Union Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare emphasized the importance of developing a vibrant and tech-savvy repair system as India emerges as a global economic leader. The workshop, attended by top industry players, aimed to build consensus on key parameters for assessing and evaluating the repairability index.
Regulatory Framework to Follow
Following the rollout of the repairability index, the government plans to introduce a regulatory framework that will make it mandatory for manufacturers to display this index on their products. This regulatory move is expected to further push the industry towards more sustainable practices and enhance consumer experiences by making repair information more accessible.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Sustainability
The launch of the repairability index marks a significant step towards promoting sustainability in India’s electronics sector. By making repairability a key factor in consumer decision-making, the government is not only addressing the e-waste issue but also paving the way for a more circular economy where products are designed to last longer and be more easily repaired.
