EU Commission wants to introduce a reparability index for household appliances

On Wednesday, the EU Commission adopted its work plan for the further implementation of ecodesign regulations by 2030. The initiative includes new requirements for the reparability of products such as consumer electronics and small household appliances. This includes the introduction of a reparability score for relevant products "with the greatest potential". There will also be new requirements for the recyclability of electrical and electronic appliances.

Now also household appliances

The EU member states first decided to introduce a mandatory reparability index for smartphones and tablets in 2022. Manufacturers of small mobile devices such as Apple and Samsung must also indicate how well their cell phones and handhelds can be repaired on a scale from A to E together with their energy efficiency. The new energy label is to be found on such devices throughout the EU from 2025.

EU legislators extended the requirements last year with the adoption of the Ecodesign Regulation. The raised bar, including the reparability index, will in principle also apply to servers, monitors, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, welding equipment and vacuum cleaners in future.

According to the Commission, the planned ecodesign and energy labeling requirements for the selected products will cover two elements. The first is product performance with criteria such as minimum durability, minimum energy and resource efficiency, availability of spare parts or minimum recycled content. Product information must also be expanded, including important features such as the carbon footprint and ecological footprint of products.

All regulations should be ready by the end of 2026

According to the plan, the relevant information will mainly be made available via the new digital product passport. This will provide information on the sustainability of goods via a QR code, for example. The Commission considers steel and aluminum, textiles, furniture, tires and mattresses to be other priority products for better eco-design. It has selected these "on the basis of their potential for the circular economy".

The Commission wants to define the details with delegated acts on a product-by-product basis or for groups of similar goods. This will be "based on thorough preparatory studies and impact assessments". The Commission intends to involve all stakeholders throughout the process, including in the recently established Ecodesign Forum. It assures that it will take particular account of the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. According to the project, the requirements will be in place by the end of 2026 at the latest.

(nen)