France's mobile phone and tablet durability index abandoned

In a world where the durability and repairability of electronic products are essential, France had taken a big step forward by introducing a French durability index for mobile phones and tablets. However, this ambitious initiative was recently abandoned in favor of a European text, leaving consumers and environmental advocates skeptical. Let's take a closer look at what happened.

What is the French repairability index for mobile phones?

The French durability index for mobile phones and tablets was a measure provided for by the 2020 AGEC law (French anti-waste and circular economy law), due to take effect in 2024. Its aim was to give consumers clear information on the durability and repairability of devices at the time of purchase (resistance to drops and water immersion, screen scratch resistance, dust protection, cost of spare parts, etc.). 

According to a report by ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition), only 40% of smartphones bought in France in 2020 were repaired after five years of use. This means that most devices end up in the trash rather than being repaired, contributing to the ever-growing volume of electronic waste. The French index aimed in particular to reverse this trend by encouraging consumers to choose products that are easier to repair, which could have reduced the number of devices discarded prematurely.

The abandonment of the French mobile durability index

Unfortunately, despite its laudable goals, the French mobile durability index was abandoned following an objection from Europe. The European Commission expressed concerns about the creation of this index, arguing that it would duplicate the European energy labeling planned for 2025. 

Europe (and France) is therefore moving toward a standardized energy label for smartphones and tablets: it will include information on battery life, energy efficiency, shock resistance and repairability. 

In practice, this new regulation introduces five new criteria, rating devices from A to G according to their energy efficiency (index IV, see the illustration below). These criteria include an indication of battery endurance per cycle, expressed in hours and minutes per full charge (index VI), as well as a rating of drop resistance on a scale from A to E (index VII). In addition, a repairability index rated from A to E (index VIII) will now be included, as will battery endurance expressed as the number of cycles before its charging capacity falls to 80% of the initial capacity (index IX). Finally, an index assessing protection against the ingress of dust and water will also be taken into account (index X).

Source: EU Regulation No. 2023/1669

This regulatory update also covers foldable smartphones, which were not originally included. Their initial exclusion had raised concerns among sustainability associations, which feared that manufacturers would take advantage of the opportunity to ramp up production of this type of phone, which is potentially less durable.

The consequences of this abandonment 

However, some believe that this measure will not be as comprehensive as the French index in terms of durability and repairability criteria, which could undermine efforts to reduce electronic waste, among other things.

Without a clear system for rating device repairability, consumers may be less inclined to choose durable and repairable products. This situation could increase the volume of electronic waste. 

Moreover, the fact that the price of spare parts is not taken into account in the European energy label raises concerns about how affordable repairs will be for consumers. A survey conducted by the HOP association (Halte à l'Obsolescence Programmée) found that some manufacturers sell spare parts at prohibitive prices, making repairs economically unfeasible for many consumers: the repairability of these products is therefore misleading.

In conclusion, the abandonment of the French repairability index for mobile phones marks a setback in the quest for more durable and repairable electronic products. As Europe prepares to introduce a standardized energy label for smartphones and tablets, it remains to be seen whether this measure will be enough to address growing concerns about durability and repairability. It is essential that consumers remain vigilant and continue to support initiatives that promote more durable electronic products, while demanding full transparency from manufacturers and regulators.

Need information to better manage your electronic waste? Read our article on recycling IT equipment.

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