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What is repairability testing?
Repairability testing is a series of tests that helps you determine how easily a product can be repaired during its lifecycle. TÜV SÜD conducts testing across the three stages of documentation, disassembly and availability of spare parts and repair service. This allows the product (or at least some parts of it) to be brought back to working condition after failure over a period of time without having to replace the entire product.
Why repairability testing is important
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 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). 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 test that gives you a high repairability score also strengthens your competitive position in the market by demonstrating your commitment to sustainability.
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). 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 test that gives you a high repairability score also strengthens your competitive position in the market by demonstrating your commitment to sustainability.
Business benefits of repairability testing
- 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”.
How TÜV SÜD can help you with repairability testing
TÜV SÜD is a globally accredited testing and inspection services provider for a vast range of products across every stage of the supply chain.
We have experts in every major market who possess deep knowledge of local, regional and global regulations.
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.
We have experts in every major market who possess deep knowledge of local, regional and global regulations.
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 approach to repairability testing
Our experts can assist you in complying with relevant regulations and meeting the requirements for repairability testing.
French Repairability Scoring Index*
Products for which we conduct repairability testing include:
- 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 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.
