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Time of India
03-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Phones, tabs 1st items in index of repairability
Smartphones and tablets will be the first two electronic consumer items to be brought under the ' Repairability Index ' regime. The 'repairability index' is a label that manufacturers put on electrical and electronic equipment to inform consumers about the repairability of the entire product or its components. The index rates products on six core parameters - disassembly depth; repair information; availability of spare parts within a reasonable timeline; software updates; tools; and fasteners (types and availability). Index by original cos will enable people make informed choices A govt-appointed committee has recommended to the consumer affairs department a self-declared 'Repairability Index' by original manufacturers for these products to enable customers to make informed choices. The manufacturers will have to rate the devices on this index upfront so that consumers get full information, as per suggestions of the panel. As per the complaints lodged with National Consumer Helpline (NCH), a large number of consumers face issues while seeking repair for their mobile phone and tablets. The number of such complaints has increased from 19,057 in 2022-23 to 21,020 in 2023-24 and to 22,864 in 2024-25. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scarlett Johansson, 40, Shows Off Her Real Size In A New Vacation Photos 33 Bridges Undo The govt panel has also suggested that the index should be displayed at the point of sale/ purchase, e-commerce platforms and in the form of QR code on packaged products. In an official statement, the consumer affairs department said that the committee constituted for the Framework on Repairability Index in mobile and electronic sector has submitted its report. Scoring criteria was evolved for each of these parameters and weightages were decided. "After aggregation of weightages for priority parts, a RI on a five-point numeric scale is arrived at," govt said. The panel has identified priority parts which are most prone to frequent failures and have high functional relevance. Now the department will examine the recommendations and come up with a draft guidelines for wider stakeholders consultation before bringing out final guidelines. Sources said since the committee has given its reporter after long consultation with stakeholders, including representatives from Apple, Samsung, Google, Vivo, HMD Mobiles, Dell and HP, there is high likelihood of most of the recommendations becoming part of the guidelines. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
The Print
03-05-2025
- Business
- The Print
Repairability index for smartphones and tablets on anvil, will help consumers in buying decisions
According to an official statement issued on Saturday, the committee constituted for the Framework on Repairability Index in mobile and electronic sector has submitted its report to Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare. The manufacturers will have to rate the devices on this index upfront, as per suggestions of the panel. New Delhi, May 3 (PTI) With consumers facing issues in repair of smartphones and tablets, a committee constituted by the government has recommended that original equipment manufacturers self-declare Repairability Index in this product category to enable customers make informed choice. Khare had earlier said the ministry will examine the recommendations and accordingly will issue some guidelines. In September 2024, Department of Consumer Affairs had constituted the committee under the chairmanship of Bharat Khera, Additional Secretary. The committee has identified smartphones and tablets as a product category for notification in the initial phase of Repairability Index in Mobile and Electronics Sector, the statement said. '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,' it added. Further, the committee has suggested that the Repairability Index should be displayed at the point of sale/purchase, e-commerce platforms and in form of QR code on packaged products to enable consumers make informed choices. 'Repairability Index aims to create an ecosystem, where consumers choose options that align with the ethos of 'mindful utilization' of their products over 'wasteful consumption', the statement said. The panel's recommendations have been framed in alignment with the best global practices without causing any impediment to the industry with regard to innovation and ease of doing business, it added. The department seeks to empower consumers with ease and hassle-free repair options. An analysis of grievances received at National Consumer Helpline (NCH) indicates that large number of consumers witness issues while seeking repair for their mobile phone and tablets. There has been significant rise in complaints in mobiles and tablets — from 19,057 in 2022-2023 to 21,020 in 2023-2024 and further to 22,864 in 2024-2025. The data pointed out the pressing need to improve repair accessibility and ensure greater transparency of repair and post-sale service-related information to consumers. The committee included stakeholders from the industry with companies like Apple, Samsung, Google, Vivo, HMD Mobiles, Dell, HP. The panel also had prominent industry associations like ICEA and MAIT besides representatives from consumer organisations like EPIC. It also had members of academia and senior officials of Department of Consumer Affairs, Meity, MSME. Representative from scientific organisations such as NTH and BIS were also part of the panel. The committee was mandated to recommend a robust framework for Repairability Index (RI) in Mobile and Electronics Sector. It has identified priority parts which are most prone to frequent failures and have high functional relevance. These parts are battery, display assembly, back cover assembly, front-facing camera assembly, rear-facing camera assembly, charging port, mechanical buttons, main microphones, speaker, hinge assembly or mechanical display folding mechanism, and external audio connectors. According to the report, repairability is assessed on six core parameters — disassembly depth; repair information; availability of spare parts within a reasonable timeline; software updates; tools; and fasteners (types and availability). 'Scoring criteria was evolved for each of these parameters and weightages were decided. After aggregation of weightages for priority parts, a RI on a five-point numeric scale is arrived at,' the statement said. PTI MJH ANU ANU This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Repairability index on anvil to help consumers take informed decision on buying smartphones, tablets
By Laxmi Devi Aere Smartphone and tablet manufacturers will soon have to rate their products on a repairability index to help consumers take informed decision as a government panel on Friday submitted a report recommending a framework for that. 'The Framework on Repairability Index for Mobile and Electronic Sector' aims to help consumers make informed decisions while purchasing devices, on the lines of energy efficiency ratings applicable for electrical appliances. The panel, constituted by the consumer affairs ministry and chaired by Additional Secretary Bharat Khera, finalised the framework after reaching consensus among industry and consumer organisations. "Companies are not manufacturing devices for life. They are actually forcing consumers to buy another product because they have planned for their obsolescence. Technology has favoured making sure products fail and have short lifespans," Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare told PTI. The whole purpose of the repairability index is to sensitise manufacturers about their responsibility for providing a repair ecosystem and to also rate their products on the index so that consumers can take informed decisions, she said. The panel has submitted the report to the ministry, Khare said and added, "The ministry will examine the recommendations and accordingly will issue some guidelines." In its first phase, the framework will cover smartphones and tablets, after analyzing nearly 20,000 consumer complaints received on the National Consumer Helpline regarding effectiveness of repair ecosystems. "... the next stage could be laptops, desktops and other products," the committee chairman Khera said. The panel has recommended a five-point rating scale that should be prominently displayed at points of sale, on packaging, and websites. Original Equipment Manufacturers will be responsible for declaring the rating upfront. The rating will be based on several parameters including repairability of key components like display screens, batteries, camera assemblies, charging ports, and speakers; ease of disassembly; types of fasteners and tools used; availability of spare parts; and software update policies. "If a particular service is satisfactory, it will get a score of five. If it is intermediary, it will get a score of three," Khera explained. Similar standards exist in the EU, the US, and France, while other countries are working towards implementing such measures. "India being an important economy could not have been left behind," the panel chief added. India is the world's second largest market for smartphones after China. While feature phones are not currently covered under the index, Khera indicated that the scope could gradually expand. "Once this is implemented, there will be learning throughout and then we can increase the scope," he noted. The consumer affairs ministry will examine the recommendations before issuing guidelines.
The Print
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Print
Repairability index on anvil to help consumers take informed decision on buying smartphones, tablets
The panel, constituted by the consumer affairs ministry and chaired by Additional Secretary Bharat Khera, finalised the framework after reaching consensus among industry and consumer organisations. 'The Framework on Repairability Index for Mobile and Electronic Sector' aims to help consumers make informed decisions while purchasing devices, on the lines of energy efficiency ratings applicable for electrical appliances. New Delhi, May 2 (PTI) Smartphone and tablet manufacturers will soon have to rate their products on a repairability index to help consumers take informed decision as a government panel on Friday submitted a report recommending a framework for that. 'Companies are not manufacturing devices for life. They are actually forcing consumers to buy another product because they have planned for their obsolescence. Technology has favoured making sure products fail and have short lifespans,' Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare told PTI. The whole purpose of the repairability index is to sensitise manufacturers about their responsibility for providing a repair ecosystem and to also rate their products on the index so that consumers can take informed decisions, she said. The panel has submitted the report to the ministry, Khare said and added, 'The ministry will examine the recommendations and accordingly will issue some guidelines.' In its first phase, the framework will cover smartphones and tablets, after analyzing nearly 20,000 consumer complaints received on the National Consumer Helpline regarding effectiveness of repair ecosystems. '… the next stage could be laptops, desktops and other products,' the committee chairman Khera said. The panel has recommended a five-point rating scale that should be prominently displayed at points of sale, on packaging, and websites. Original Equipment Manufacturers will be responsible for declaring the rating upfront. The rating will be based on several parameters including repairability of key components like display screens, batteries, camera assemblies, charging ports, and speakers; ease of disassembly; types of fasteners and tools used; availability of spare parts; and software update policies. 'If a particular service is satisfactory, it will get a score of five. If it is intermediary, it will get a score of three,' Khera explained. Similar standards exist in the EU, the US, and France, while other countries are working towards implementing such measures. 'India being an important economy could not have been left behind,' the panel chief added. India is the world's second largest market for smartphones after China. While feature phones are not currently covered under the index, Khera indicated that the scope could gradually expand. 'Once this is implemented, there will be learning throughout and then we can increase the scope,' he noted. The consumer affairs ministry will examine the recommendations before issuing guidelines. PTI LUX ANU ANU This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Repairability index on anvil to help consumers take informed decision on buying smartphones, tablets
Smartphone and tablet manufacturers will soon have to rate their products on a repairability index to help consumers take informed decision as a government panel on Friday submitted a report recommending a framework for that. 'The Framework on Repairability Index for Mobile and Electronic Sector' aims to help consumers make informed decisions while purchasing devices, on the lines of energy efficiency ratings applicable for electrical appliances. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Pakistan reopens Attari-Wagah border to allow stranded citizens in India to return Key Jammu & Kashmir reservoirs' flushing to begin soon Air India sees Pakistan airspace ban costing it $600 mn over 12 months The panel, constituted by the consumer affairs ministry and chaired by Additional Secretary Bharat Khera, finalised the framework after reaching consensus among industry and consumer organisations. "Companies are not manufacturing devices for life. They are actually forcing consumers to buy another product because they have planned for their obsolescence. Technology has favoured making sure products fail and have short lifespans," Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare told PTI. The whole purpose of the repairability index is to sensitise manufacturers about their responsibility for providing a repair ecosystem and to also rate their products on the index so that consumers can take informed decisions, she said. The panel has submitted the report to the ministry, Khare said and added, "The ministry will examine the recommendations and accordingly will issue some guidelines." Live Events In its first phase, the framework will cover smartphones and tablets, after analyzing nearly 20,000 consumer complaints received on the National Consumer Helpline regarding effectiveness of repair ecosystems. "... the next stage could be laptops, desktops and other products," the committee chairman Khera said. The panel has recommended a five-point rating scale that should be prominently displayed at points of sale, on packaging, and websites. Original Equipment Manufacturers will be responsible for declaring the rating upfront. The rating will be based on several parameters including repairability of key components like display screens, batteries, camera assemblies, charging ports, and speakers; ease of disassembly; types of fasteners and tools used; availability of spare parts; and software update policies. "If a particular service is satisfactory, it will get a score of five. If it is intermediary, it will get a score of three," Khera explained. Similar standards exist in the EU, the US, and France, while other countries are working towards implementing such measures. "India being an important economy could not have been left behind," the panel chief added. India is the world's second largest market for smartphones after China. While feature phones are not currently covered under the index, Khera indicated that the scope could gradually expand. "Once this is implemented, there will be learning throughout and then we can increase the scope," he noted. The consumer affairs ministry will examine the recommendations before issuing guidelines.
