The repairability index is only one of the steps towards implementing a durability index. This more ambitious instrument evaluates both how repairable and how reliable a product is. This unique instrument has no parallel in other nations, making France a pioneer.
What is the durability index?
The durability index provides consumers with information on a product’s repairability and durability, with a score ranging from 0 to 10. It fills the information gaps between manufacturers and consumers, promoting well-informed decisions. The index encourages manufacturers to design environmentally friendly products to enhance their rating.
The durability index supplements and supersedes the French repairability index, which is already available for some first consumer electrical and electronic equipment.
The durability index, which was approved in France under the 2020 law against waste and for a circular economy (“Loi anti-gaspillage pour une économie circulaire”), currently applies to only two types of equipment. On January 8, 2025, it superseded the repairability index for televisions, and on April 8, 2025, for washing machines, covering all items in these categories launched in the French market.
The HOP association has played a critical role, as a French government-approved environmental protection association, in developing this durability index to ensure the voice of citizens is heard.
A multicriteria rating system
Unlike the repairability index, the durability index is not limited to repairability and also includes a reliability criterion. HOP strongly advocated for the inclusion of rigorous rating parameters:
- wear and tear resistance;
- ease of technical and software maintenance (with extra points for manufacturers making a distinction between security updates and feature updates);
- commercial guarantee of durability and continuous improvement process.
The durability index also requires transparency from the manufacturers, who must report all the information used to establish their score. Data are disclosed on a publicly available government platform. This fosters enhanced oversight not only by the government but also by civil society, including organizations, competitors, and individuals.
Currently, this durability index is exclusively used in France.
The durability index is the world’s most stringent durability rating system.
In collaboration with other European associations, HOP aims to make the European Union approve similar requirements.
Stand up for more durable products!
The early replacement of products is creating mountains of useless waste. The durability index is putting pressure on manufacturers requiring them to improve their practices.
Do you want to get involved in changing durability policies?
