Why in the News?

The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) recently announced that a report for a “Framework on Repairability Index (RI) in Mobile and Electronic Sector” had been submitted to the government.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Repairability Index (Introduction, Objectives, Criteria, Need, Right to Repair Movement, Challenges, etc.)

Introduction

• India has taken a notable step toward empowering consumers and ensuring environmental sustainability through its Right to Repair movement.
• The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) recently accepted a report on the proposed Repairability Index (RI) for mobile phones and electronic appliances, which aims to rank products based on how easy they are to repair.
• This framework, aligned with the global right to repair movement, is a response to rising concerns about product durability, electronic waste, and consumer dependence on manufacturers for repairs.

Understanding the Repairability Index

• The proposed Repairability Index is a score that evaluates how easy it is to repair a product. It considers criteria such as:
  • Availability and pricing of spare parts
  • Access to repair documentation
  • Cost and time of repairs
  • Software support (e.g., updates)
• Consumer electronic products and appliances like smartphones, washing machines, and refrigerators would be rated using this index, allowing consumers to make informed purchase decisions.
• The idea is to promote long-lasting products and provide transparency regarding repair options.

The Need for Repairable Electronics

• The initiative comes amid increasing complaints that modern appliances break down more often than older ones.
• This is partly due to planned obsolescence, where companies deliberately manufacture products with a shorter lifespan to push consumers to buy new ones.
• The declining metal content in appliances (due to rising metal prices and competition) has also contributed to poor durability. India’s reliance on imported metals like copper further exacerbates the problem.
• Prolonging the lifespan of electronics also ties into India’s broader goals like:
  • Reducing electronic waste (e-waste)
  • Supporting a circular economy where old parts re-enter the value chain
  • Lowering the demand for freshly mined ("virgin") metals

The Right to Repair Movement in India

• Globally, the right to repair refers to the consumer’s ability to choose how and where to repair their devices, whether through the manufacturer or independent service providers.
• In India, the DoCA launched a Right to Repair Portal, listing:
  • Manufacturer-authorized service centres
  • Repair manuals and guides
• Unlike the more confrontational stance in countries like the U.S., India's model currently supports manufacturer-authorized channels, with limited support for third-party repairs.
• However, the inclusion of consumer rights advocates suggest the framework may not be entirely in favour of manufacturers.
• They emphasized that denying repair services for older products violates the consumer's right to choice and advocated for more repair freedom.

Global Context and U.S. Comparison

• In the United States, the Right to Repair movement has gained legislative support, especially against practices like:
  • Restricting access to spare parts
  • Locking devices with proprietary software
  • Penalizing third-party repairs
• Laws have been introduced requiring companies to publish repair costs and ensure access to spare parts. In contrast, Indian policy is still evolving, with more collaboration between the government and manufacturers.
• One notable example is McDonald’s in the U.S., where only Taylor Company technicians are allowed to repair the brand’s ice cream machines, leading to consumer frustration and regulatory scrutiny.
• Similar monopolistic repair models in electronics are being questioned globally.

Challenges Ahead

• Though India’s Repairability Index is a progressive move, it faces several challenges:
  • Balancing innovation and industry freedom with consumer rights
  • Overcoming resistance from electronics manufacturers who profit from repair services
  • Creating enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance
  • Making third-party repairs safe and reliable
• Moreover, the committee drafting the RI consisted mostly of industry representatives, which may influence the eventual shape of the policy.