Centre working on a Repairability Index to create an ecosystem for reuse of devices

Electronic devices are considered to have the fastest-growing demand and shortest lifespan. The proposed index will allow consumers to decide on a product based on its repairability.

Centre is planning a Repairability Index which will improve the sustainability quotient of your devices as well as allow consumers to reuse the electronic products that they own.

An expert committee has been set up to recommend a framework to constitute such a index, which will promote sustainable practices in the tech industry, Department of Consumer Affairs said on September 24. The Index will seek to provide consumers with transparency regarding the repairability of their devices, and also foster a sustainable technology industry.

Industry stakeholders were brought together in August this year to establish a consensus, in terms of the framework for evaluating what components will go into the making of such an index. Stakeholders also shared their inputs on bring in longevity in design, making repair-related information more accessible, as well as making spare parts available even after products are discontinued.

Electronic devices are considered to have the fastest-growing demand and shortest lifespan. The proposed index will allow consumers to decide on a product based on its repairability.

The index will also aim to standardize how repairability is to be assessed, allowing consumers to compare products based on the repair quotient. This should create an ecosystem where consumers can compare products and choose options based on the repairability, said Department of Consumer Affairs.

The index aims to create and ecosystem for accessible spares, repair information, design and affordability of the entire process.

The key members of the committee are Anupam Mishra, Consumer Affairs Joint Secretary, Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman – Indian Cellular Electronics Association, representatives from Samsung Electronics, Google India and HMD Mobiles.

Data from Apple has revealed that nearly 80% of an iPhone 15 Pro's life-time carbon emission actually take place in its production. This implies, consumers may need to use their devices longer, in order to avoid further emissions.