Phones, Tablets to Lead India’s New Repairability Index

Quick Summary:

• Smartphones and tablets will be the first items to be covered under the government’s proposed “Repairability Index” regime.
• The repairability Index is a label for electronic products that indicates how repairable an item or its components are.
• The index rates products on six parameters: disassembly depth, repair information, spare parts availability, software updates, tools access, and fasteners details.
• A government-appointed committee suggested the self-declaration of this index by manufacturers to help consumers make informed purchasing choices.
• Complaints about repair issues for smartphones and tablets have increased significantly in recent years (21,020 complaints in 2023-24 from 19,057 in 2022-23).
• recommendations include displaying the index at points of sale (physical/e-commerce platforms) or as QR codes on packages for consumer convenience.
• A draft guideline based on these recommendations will undergo wider stakeholder consultation before final implementation by India’s consumer affairs department.
• global tech companies like Apple,Google,Samsung participated in discussions with the government panel.

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Indian Opinion Analysis:
The introduction of a Repairability Index reflects India’s growing focus on sustainability and consumer rights within its electronics sector. By encouraging manufacturers to rate their products based on repair-related factors openly, it could promote transparency while empowering customers with valuable pre-purchase knowledge. Additionally, addressing repair challenges could reduce electronic waste-a significant global concern-and spur innovation among companies striving for better ratings.

The increasing complaints around smartphone and tablet repairs emphasize systemic gaps that this initiative aims to bridge between accessibility and usability post-purchase experiences for Indian consumers. if implemented successfully with global tech involvement seen during consultations (e.g., Apple/Samsung), these guidelines may set constructive precedents globally as well.

However key challenges lie ahead-consensus across stakeholders may influence effective enforcement/scope later finalized impacting urban/rural adaption phases importantly equally basis Read More link below:

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