DoCA Forms Expert Committee to Develop Repairability Index for Mobile and Electronics Sector

The Repairability Index will serve as a consumer-centric tool, helping consumers make product choices based on repairability.

The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), Government of India, has established a committee of experts under the chairmanship of Shri Bharat Khera, Additional Secretary, DoCA, to develop a Repairability Index framework. This initiative seeks to provide consumers with critical repair information and promote sustainable practices within the tech industry.

In a major step towards safeguarding consumer rights and fostering sustainability, the National Workshop on the Right to Repair in the Mobile and Electronics Sector was held on August 29, 2024. The workshop brought together industry leaders and stakeholders to build consensus on a framework for evaluating repairability, encouraging product longevity, and democratizing access to repair information and spare parts—even for discontinued products.

With mobile and electronic devices having the fastest-growing demand and shortest product lifespan, the proposed Repairability Index aims to enhance consumer awareness about the repairability of their purchases. Workshop participants agreed that providing consumers with easy access to repair information and spare parts will enable more informed purchasing decisions.

The Repairability Index will serve as a consumer-centric tool, helping consumers make product choices based on repairability. This standardized assessment will facilitate product comparisons, empowering consumers to prioritize repair-friendly devices and contribute to sustainable consumption.

Key Components of the Repair Ecosystem:

Comprehensive Repair Information: Access to repair manuals, diagnostics, and a list of essential tools and parts.

Accessible Spare Parts: Easily identifiable spare parts with timely availability.

Affordable Tools: Inexpensive and widely available tools for safe repairs.

Modular Design: Components designed for independent access and modular replacement.

Economic Feasibility: Ensuring repair parts and labor costs are affordable for consumers.

The committee will propose policies, rules, and guidelines that support repairability and integrate the Repairability Index with existing regulatory provisions in the mobile and electronics sector. This will enhance consumer satisfaction by ensuring affordable repair options and bridging information gaps in product repairability.

Committee Members

The committee includes representatives from various sectors:

Shri Anupam Mishra, Joint Secretary, DoCA

Senior representatives from MeitY and MSME

Dr. Alok Kumar Srivastava, Director General, NTH

Dr. ABS Shalini, Director, DoCA

Shri Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, Indian Cellular Electronics Association

Stakeholders from leading companies such as Samsung, Google India, HMD Mobiles India, and consumer activists like Ms. Pushpa Girimaji.

The committee will submit a comprehensive report on the Repairability Index framework for the Indian context by November 15, 2024. This initiative marks a significant step toward creating an ecosystem that promotes sustainable consumption and empowers consumers through informed choices.