Government Unveils 'Repairability Index' For Electronics: December Launch Aims To Slash E-Waste

The Union government is set to launch a 'repairability index' for mobile phones and electronic products by December, a significant step towards empowering consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

This initiative, rooted in the concept of a “circular economy”, aims to tackle the growing issue of e-waste and encourage manufacturers to design products that are easier to repair.

Speaking at a government-organised workshop on the 'Right to Repair Framework', Union Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare announced that following the launch of the index, the department will introduce a comprehensive regulatory framework.

The repairability index is a mandatory label that manufacturers must include on electrical and electronic devices to inform consumers about the ease of repairing their products.

This index displays a score, which is determined by factors such as the ease of disassembly and the availability of spare parts. This allows consumers to understand whether a device is easy, difficult, or nearly impossible to repair, guiding them to choose more repairable and sustainable options.

This reduces the need to purchase new devices due to limited repair options or high repair costs, thereby supporting the circular economy and contributing to a reduction in e-waste.

As per the proposed framework, the repairability index will score products on a scale of 1 to 5.

A score of 1 will be assigned to products that are more prone to damage and require the dismantling of multiple components to access a single part. Products that strike a balance, with some parts being easily accessible while others require more complex disassembly, will receive a score of 3. The highest score of 5 will be given to items that are easy to repair, allowing direct access to essential parts like the battery or display without unnecessary disassembly.

According to an ET report, once the regulatory framework is implemented, manufacturers in India will be required to display the repairability index, similar to the system already in place in France.

The government has already launched a Right to Repair Portal, with 63 companies onboard, including 23 from the mobile and electronics sector. India is the third largest electronic waste producer globally after China and the US.