Repairability testing

The circular economy focuses on designing waste out of the resource ecosystem and maximising the value of resources by keeping them in use for as long as possible. One of the measures is to extend the product lifetime and enable reuse where products are repaired instead of being replaced with new ones. 

Repairability is required for many categories of products sold or imported into the European Union (EU), France, Belgium and other major markets. There are several initiatives to promote more energy-efficient and sustainable products. These includes the French Repairability Scoring Index, Belgium Repairability Scoring Index, EU directive on repair for goods and the EU Ecodesign requirements for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The French regulation requires a repairability index, a score from 1 to 10 that indicates how easily an electronic or home appliance product can be repaired. 

A third-party repairability testing or validation strengthens your competitive position in the market by demonstrating your commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.

• Provides proof that your products fulfil the repairability requirements. 
• Extends the product’s lifecycle, hence reducing the impact on the environment. 
• Helps you design more repairable products as evidenced by higher repairability score and repairability index. This can help you achieve better and more marketable products. 
• Helps you win acceptance from consumers who are likely to choose a product that is labelled “more repairable”. 

TÜV SÜD is a globally accredited testing and inspection services provider for a vast range of products across every stage of the supply chain.

Our experts possess deep knowledge of local, regional, and global regulations and are always up to date with regulatory changes. We can efficiently support you in meeting relevant legislation and test requirements in the area of repairability.  

Our experts can assist you in complying with relevant regulations and meeting repairability requirements.

TÜV SÜD can provide comprehensive repairability services, including early consultation and training, guidance and verification during the process, and final product evaluation and report output.

1. TÜV SÜD Repairability Standard

For all products (electrical products, mechanical products, etc.) we can support you in being prepared for repairability.

TÜV SÜD Repairability Standard comprises: 

• Documentation: Determined by the manufacturer’s commitment to make technical documents available to repairers and consumers. 
• Disassembly of tools: Determined by the possibility of disassembly according to instructions and wearing parts can be replaced by the user. 
• Availability of spare parts and repair service: Determined by the commitment of the availability of spare parts, where the product can be repaired, and repair costs.

2. French Scoring Indices

a) French Repairability Scoring Index

The French Repairability Scoring Index covers following products:

• Computers/Laptops 
• Televisions 
• Smartphones 
• Lawnmowers (corded, battery-operated and robotic) 
• Washing machines 
• Vacuum cleaners 
• Top-loading household washing machines 
• Household dishwashers
• Pressure washers

The French Repairability Scoring Index evaluates the repairability based on five main criteria:

• Documentation
• Ease of disassembly
• Availability of spare parts
• Ease of repair
• Product-specific aspects

b) French Durability Scoring Index to replace Repairability Index in 2025

Starting in 2025, the French Repairability Scoring Index will be replaced by the French Durability Scoring Index, as mandated by Decree No. 2024-316, dated April 5, 2024. This law incorporates criteria for reliability, as well as software and hardware enhancements for electrical and electronic equipment.

As with the Repairability Index, sellers must prominently display the durability index rating near the price at the time of purchase. This rating must be visible, legible, and easily accessible, in accordance with the required signage standards.

The new French Durability Scoring Index will include additional criteria beyond repairability, such as:

• Resistance to stress and wear
• Maintenance and servicing
• Sustainability assurance and quality processes

The following products will be evaluated under the new durability index:

• TVs (from January 2025)
• Washing machines (from April 2025)

3. Belgium Scoring Indices

As of May 2nd 2025, Belgium has introduced a Belgium Repairability and Durability Index for different product groups. The index must be displayed near the price where the product is sold, regardless of whether this is at a physical sales point or on an online shop.

a) Belgium Repairability Scoring Index

The Belgium Repairability Scoring Index covers:

• Dishwashers
• Vacuum cleaners
• High-pressure cleaners
• Lawnmowers
• Laptops (excluding tablets)
• Bicycles
• Electric bicycles
• Electric scooters

The Belgium Repairability Scoring Index evaluates the repairability based on five main criteria:

• Documentation
• Ease of disassembly

• Availability of spare parts
• Price of spare parts
• Product-specific aspects

b) Belgium Durability Scoring Index

The Belgian Durability Scoring Index covers the following products:

• Household washing machines
• Televisions

These products are evaluated based on their robustness and reliability, in addition to their repairability.

Repairability score under the EU Energy Labelling Regulation for smartphones and tablets

Beginning on June 20th 2025, a new EU-wide energy label for smartphones and tablets will be introduced. It comes with a new repairability score system. Smartphones and tablets must display a repairability score ranging from A (most repairable) to E (least repairable).

The repairability score is calculated based on 6 scoring factors that includes:

• Disassembly depth
• Fasteners
• Tools
• Spare parts availability
• Software updates
• Repair information