Belgium introduces new repair index for electrical devices!

Belgium introduces new repair index for electrical devices!

Wieden, Österreich - Belgium has taken a significant step towards sustainability by introducing a repair index as a second country in Europe to France. The index, which came into force on May 2, 2025, serves to evaluate the repair of electrical appliances and inform consumers about it. The workshops that put the repaired device back into operation should focus much more in the future. The initiative is part of a comprehensive action plan for the circular economy in Belgium, which aims to protect resources and reduce garbage. The WKO reports that the index on a scale from 0 to 10 evaluates the possibilities for repair and disassembly.

The preliminary products for which this index is mandatory are a colorful mix of everyday devices, including dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, high -pressure cleaner, lawnmower and notebooks without touchscreen. An important point is that in a second phase, electrical bicycles, e-steps and tablets should also be included in this evaluation. This will be a consumer: help inside the purchase of devices to make an informed decision based on their repair.

The way to more transparency

In order to increase transparency, manufacturers and importers must determine and provide the repair index of their products. Sellers are obliged to show the index grade in addition to the price and to provide the customer: inside a link or QR code for the calculation details. An online database is also provided so that consumers can check and compare the index of different devices inside. This procedure should not only make the purchase decision easier, but also extend the length of stay of the products in the households.

The background for these measures are specially specified by the EU. With the ecodesign guideline, requirements for energy efficiency and repairability for product groups were set in December 2019. tüv emphasizes that it is about creating long -lasting devices that are not only environmentally friendly, but also have to remain functional.

EU guidelines and repair law

The new initiatives in the EU, such as the ecodesign regulation for sustainable products (ESPR) and the guideline for "right to repair", are also designed to make products more sustainable. According to Federal Environment Agency , manufacturers have to provide spare parts for their products for many years to enable uncomplicated repair. Ideally, these spare parts should be available within 15 working days after ordering and can be easily replaced with common tools.

Thanks to these regulations and the new repair index, it will be easier for consumers: In the future, it will be easier to choose devices that are not only powerful, but also repairable. This not only contributes to the longevity of the products, but also a step in the right direction for a more sustainable future. In the coming years we will surely be able to observe how these developments will have an impact on the market and consumption behavior.