The Committee constituted for the Framework on Repairability Index (RI) within the Cellular and Electronics Sector has submitted its report back to Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Division of Client Affairs (DoCA), Authorities of India.
The report outlines a complete and industry-friendly framework designed to assist shoppers assess the convenience of repairability of digital merchandise—starting with smartphones and tablets. The proposed Repairability Index might be self-declared by Unique Gear Producers (OEMs) based mostly on a normal scoring system, with no extra compliance burden imposed on the {industry}.
Repairability rating to empower knowledgeable shopping for
The committee has beneficial that the Repairability Index be clearly displayed on the level of sale, on e-commerce platforms, and on product packaging via a QR code. This goals to assist shoppers make knowledgeable decisions and promote conscious product utilization over wasteful consumption.
The Repairability Index is a step in the direction of constructing a clear restore ecosystem, enabling shoppers to increase the lifecycle of their gadgets via simpler entry to restore info and providers. This aligns with the federal government’s broader imaginative and prescient of fostering a sustainable, self-reliant, and consumer-centric economic system.
Why It Issues: Rising client grievances
Information from the Nationwide Client Helpline (NCH) revealed a gradual rise in client complaints associated to cellular and pill repairs—from 19,057 in 2022-23 to 21,020 in 2023-24 and additional as much as 22,864 in 2024-25. These figures spotlight the rising want for accessible, dependable, and clear post-sale providers.
Committee ocmposition and key focus areas
The committee was shaped in September 2024 beneath the chairmanship of Shri Bharat Khera, Further Secretary, DoCA. It included representatives from main OEMs like Apple, Samsung, Google, Vivo, HMD Mobiles, Dell, and HP; {industry} associations resembling ICEA and MAIT; client teams like EPIC; educational consultants; and officers from DoCA, MeitY, MSME, BIS, and NTH.
Smartphones and tablets have been chosen because the preliminary product classes for implementation. The committee has recognized key elements vulnerable to frequent failure, together with:
- Battery
- Show meeting
- Front and back digicam assemblies
- Charging port
- Mechanical buttons
- Speaker
- Microphones
- Hinges and fold mechanisms
- Audio connectors
- How the Index Works
- Repairability might be assessed based mostly on six core parameters:
- Disassembly Depth
- Availability of Restore Data
- Spare Elements Availability
- Software program Updates
- Instruments Required
Sorts and availability of fasteners
Every parameter carries a selected weightage, and the ultimate rating is introduced on a five-point scale to replicate general repairability.
Constructing on the suitable to restore portal
The initiative builds on the Proper to Restore Portal India, launched in 2022 by DoCA to make restore info accessible throughout 4 sectors: Cars, Cellular & Electronics, Client Durables, and Farming Gear. Over 65 corporations have already onboarded the platform.
A Nationwide Workshop held in August 2024 reaffirmed the necessity for a Repairability Index, with stakeholders agreeing that such a framework would improve client selection and product longevity. As India deepens its digital penetration and extra shoppers throughout rural and concrete areas depend on digital gadgets, the emphasis on equitable restore choices and strong after-sales service turns into more and more important.The submitted report marks a milestone in guaranteeing shoppers should not left within the darkish post-purchase—and that repairing, not changing, turns into the norm.
