Repairability Testing

WHAT IS REPAIRABILITY TESTING?

Repairability testing is a type of testing that determines the ability and ease of the product to be repaired during its lifecycle. It involves three stages:

• Documentation
• Disassembly
• Availability of spare parts and repair service.

The service allows product (all or some parts) to be brought back to working condition after failure over a period of time without having to replace the entire product.

WHY IS REPAIRABILITY TESTING SERVICE IMPORTANT?

The circular economy focuses on designing waste out of the resource ecosystem and maximizing 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 re-use 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 and other major markets. There are several initiatives to promote more energy-efficient and sustainable products. These includes the French Repairability Scoring Index, EU directive on repair for goods and the EU Ecodesign requirements for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

Third-party repairability tests also help strengthen your competitive position in the market by demonstrating your commitment to sustainability.

YOUR BUSINESS BENEFITS

TÜV SÜD’S APPROACH TO REPAIRABILITY TESTING

Our experts are always up-to-date with regulatory changes and can efficiently support you in meeting the relevant regulations and test requirements in the area of repairability.

TÜV SÜD Repairability Standards

• For all products (electrical, mechanical, ...)

French Repairability Scoring Index

Products under the French Repairability Scoring Index includes:

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

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 index:

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

TÜV SÜD REPAIRABILITY STANDARD

TÜV SÜD Repairability Standard consists of three steps:

• 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 as well as repair costs.