02-September-2024-Editorial

INDIA TO INTRODUCE REPAIRABILITY INDEX FOR ELECTRONICS TO COMBAT E-WASTE CRISIS

The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution recently hosted a National Workshop on the Right to Repair Framework for the Mobile and Electronic sectors.

A significant highlight of the event was the proposed launch of a “Repairability Index” for mobile phones and electronic devices. This initiative aims to tackle the growing e-waste problem and encourage manufacturers to produce repair-friendly products.

The workshop explored strategies to enhance consumer rights and promote sustainable practices by improving access to repair information.

Highlights of the Workshop

Objective of the Workshop:

• The primary goal of the workshop was to build a consensus among industry stakeholders on the introduction of a repairability index.
• It focused on promoting product longevity, reducing e-waste, and empowering consumers by democratizing repair information.
• The aim was to reduce the need for consumers to purchase new products due to limited repair options or high costs of repair.

Addressing Planned Obsolescence:

• Discussions centered around tackling the issue of “planned obsolescence,” where manufacturers limit access to repair information, spare parts, and manuals.
• The lack of repair support often leads consumers to discard devices and buy new ones or resort to unreliable third-party parts.

International Best Practices:

• The workshop emphasized the integration of international best practices from regions like France, the European Union, and the United Kingdom.
• Key discussions highlighted the importance of moving from a “use and dispose” economy to a circular economy by promoting sustainable product design.

About Repairability Index

The repairability index is a mandatory label on electrical and electronic products that informs consumers about the product’s ease of repair.

Criteria for Rating Products:

• Availability of Technical Documents: Easy access to repair manuals and guides is an important factor.
• Ease of Disassembly: Products should allow straightforward disassembly for easy repair access.
• Spare Parts Availability and Cost: Readily available and reasonably priced spare parts are key indicators for higher repairability.

Scoring System:

• Score of 1: Products that are difficult to repair due to complex disassembly or a high risk of damage during repair.
• Score of 5: Products that can be easily repaired, with direct access to important components like the battery or screen.

What is the Right to Repair?

The Right to Repair enables consumers and independent businesses to repair their own devices without restrictions from manufacturers.

• It aims to prevent manufacturers from monopolizing repairs by limiting access to essential tools, parts, and documentation.

Key Features of the Right to Repair:

• Access to Information: Consumers should have access to repair manuals, schematics, and software updates.
• Parts and Tools Availability: Third parties and individuals should have access to necessary repair tools and spare parts.
• Legal Unlocking: Consumers should be able to unlock or modify devices without facing legal barriers.
• Repair-Friendly Design: Devices should be designed to facilitate easier repairs.

Need for the Right to Repair

Growing E-Waste:

• Difficulties in repairing devices lead to increased e-waste, with India being the third-largest contributor to global e-waste, generating 3.2 million metric tonnes annually.

Monopoly of Repairs:

• Manufacturers often restrict third-party repairs, limiting consumer choice and leading to higher repair costs.

Planned Obsolescence:

• Many companies design products with short lifespans, encouraging frequent replacements and increasing waste.

Sustainability Goals:

• The Right to Repair supports the circular economy by extending product lifespans and promoting maintenance, reuse, and recycling.

Right to Repair Initiatives

In India:

• The Department of Consumer Affairs has created a Right to Repair Portal, chaired by Nidhi Khare, to provide consumers with repair information and options.
• The portal covers sectors such as agriculture equipment, electronics, consumer durables, and automobiles, with 63 companies onboard.

International Initiatives:

• United States: The Fair Repair Act of 2022 mandates companies to provide tools and remove software restrictions for self-repair.
• European Union: The Right to Repair Rules 2019 promote a circular economy by providing repair tools for digital products.
• United Kingdom: The Right to Repair Regulations 2021 ensure spare parts are available for ten years post-release.
• Australia: Repair cafes provide a space for voluntary repairers to help consumers repair their products.

Challenges in Implementing the Right to Repair

Opposition from Tech Companies:

• Major tech companies argue that the Right to Repair may compromise security, intellectual property, and product quality.

Shrinking Technology:

• As technology becomes smaller and more intricate, repairing modern devices often requires specialized tools, making self-repair more challenging.

Innovation Concerns:

• Manufacturers fear that repair-friendly designs may stifle innovation, as consumers may opt for repairs instead of purchasing new products.

Security and Privacy Risks:

• Allowing third-party access to devices raises concerns over the security of user data and privacy breaches.

Way Forward

Fair Access to Repair Resources:

• Encouraging manufacturers to provide access to repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and spare parts for independent repairers.

Balancing Product Design:

• Manufacturers should aim to balance efficiency and repairability by designing modular products that are easier to repair without compromising performance.

Incentivizing Innovation:

• Governments could offer tax incentives, grants, or subsidies for companies that invest in research while supporting repair-friendly product designs.