Technical obsolescence, also called functional or structural obsolescence, refers to products which stop working due to the limited lifetime of a critical component. In some cases, consumers are prevented from accessing spare parts, i.e. those parts are unavailable, are withdrawn from the market (for example coffee carafes) or sold at a high price. It is called “intentional irreparability”.
How can we identify technical obsolescence?
Technical obsolescence includes various practices such as:
- using low-quality material for a critical component of a product which will quickly wear out; remember those tights that tore apart after the first time you put them on?
- making the battery impossible to remove and, as a consequence, making the product disposable as a whole. Some hearing-aid users know what we are talking about.
- inserting a usage meter limiting the product lifetime; take for example your famous ink cartridge which won’t work anymore, while there is still some ink left.
- moulding parts in one single piece or sticking them together to prevent the user from repairing them. This is the case for some phone batteries or new electric car frames, which are moulded in huge single pieces.
- designing screws which are only working with one special type of screwdriver from a specific brand, making the product impossible to open and therefore to repair.
- putting some parts too close to a hotspot.
Parts pairing (or serialization)
This hybrid approach implies both technical and software obsolescence. Components are linked to a device using serial numbers and technology lock-ins. In practice, this means that one brand can prevent its printers from working when using generic ink cartridges or hinder independent repairers from replacing smartphone screens with a generic part. Consumers can only use the spare parts of those brands implementing parts pairing and, furthermore, can only call their customer service. Those practices undermine the circular economy.
HOP has already filed complaints against Apple and HP for this type of practices.
Secure stronger legislation against planned obsolescence
Who hasn’t been frustrated by the short life span of its products? With an unrepairable toaster? A TV set spare part which is no longer available? If you want to avoid technical obsolescence, you have to choose the longer-lasting products.
We need systemic changes driven by high standards.
HOP’s advocacy action is required to secure stronger durability legislation. Consumers need systemic changes to benefit from a true choice of durable products on the market.
HOP’s action against technical obsolescence
As the leading association standing up against this type of obsolescence in France, HOP is taking action to put an end to this shameful practice.
- HOP, in collaboration with Make.org Foundation, organizes the National Repair Days to foster a repair culture and promote product durability.
- We are investigating suspicious cases and products which are representative of obsolescence, such as printers.
- We have filed 4 complaints against planned obsolescence and one of them led to an investigation by the Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) under the French Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance. Following this investigation, Apple multinational corporation agreed to settle and pay a €25 million fine.
- We have contributed to modifying the definition of the planned obsolescence crime to facilitate its enforcement.
- The first trial for planned obsolescence in the world opened on Thursday 2 July 2026 in Nanterre, France, against the printer manufacturer Epson.
- In collaboration with the Right to Repair coalition, we have reinforced the right to repair.
