Soon India will ask phone and tablet makers to declare repairability score for their devices

India Today

05-05-2025

Smartphone and tablet users in India could soon get more clarity on how easy it is to repair their devices, thanks to a new government-backed plan. A special committee formed by the Department of Consumer Affairs has proposed that all phone and tablet manufacturers be required to self-declare a Repairability Index for their products. This score will help buyers make better decisions at the time of purchase, especially as many consumers struggle to get their devices repaired once they're out of warranty or damaged. The aim is to promote responsible consumption and reduce electronic waste by making repairs easier and more transparent.advertisementThe Repairability Index will give each device a rating based on how simple it is to disassemble, the availability of spare parts, access to repair information, software updates, and other factors. Manufacturers will have to display this score clearly on the product packaging using a QR code, at retail stores, and on e-commerce listings. This way, consumers can see upfront whether a device is easy or difficult to fix before deciding to buy it.The committee, chaired by Additional Secretary Bharat Khera, submitted its report to Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare. The panel was set up in September 2024 and included representatives from major tech companies like Apple, Samsung, Google, Vivo, Dell, HP, and HMD Mobiles. It also has members from key industry bodies like ICEA and MAIT, as well as consumer rights organisations, academics, and officials from scientific bodies like the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the National Test House (NTH).advertisement
The proposal has come in response to growing consumer complaints. Data from the National Consumer Helpline shows that mobile and tablet-related grievances rose from 19,057 in 2022–2023 to 22,864 in 2024–2025. Many of these complaints relate to poor access to repairs and a lack of clear post-sale support. The department hopes that introducing a Repairability Index will push brands to improve service quality and reduce the need for early device replacements.According to the official statement, 'The Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are required to self-declare the Repairability Index based on a standards scoring criteria provided in the framework with no additional compliance burden.'The committee has identified 11 key parts that commonly break or wear out, including batteries, display assemblies, cameras, charging ports, microphones, speakers, and folding mechanisms in foldable devices. These parts will be evaluated using six key parameters: disassembly depth, availability of repair tools, spare part access, availability of repair information, fastener types, and software update support.The scoring system will combine the weightage from each of these areas to produce a final rating on a five-point scale. The government says the goal is to 'create an ecosystem where consumers choose options that align with the ethos of 'mindful utilisation' of their products over 'wasteful consumption.''Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare is now reviewing the report, and the ministry is expected to release guidelines soon based on these recommendations. While the Repairability Index will initially apply only to smartphones and tablets, it could be expanded to other electronics in future phases.