Belgium introduces new repairability index for electrical appliances!

Belgium introduces new repairability index for electrical appliances!

Belgium has taken a significant step towards sustainability by becoming the second country in Europe after France to introduce a repairability index. The index, which came into force on May 2, 2025, is intended to assess the ease of repair of electrical appliances and inform consumers about it. The workshops that put the repaired device back into operation will be given much greater focus in the future. The initiative is part of a comprehensive circular economy action plan in Belgium that aims to conserve resources and reduce waste. The WKO reports that the index evaluates the ability to repair and disassemble on a scale of 0 to 10.

The provisional products for which this index is mandatory are a diverse mix of everyday appliances, including dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, pressure washers, lawnmowers and notebooks without touchscreens. An important point is that electric bicycles, e-steps and tablets should also be included in this assessment in a second phase. This will help consumers make an informed decision when purchasing devices based on their repairability.

The path to more transparency

To increase transparency, manufacturers and importers must determine and provide the repairability index of their products. Sellers are obliged to display the index grade next to the price and to provide customers with a link or QR code to the calculation details. An online database is also provided so that consumers can in-depth check and compare the index of different devices. This approach is intended not only to make purchasing decisions easier, but also to extend the time the products stay in households.

The background for these measures is not least dictated by the EU. The Ecodesign Directive set requirements for energy efficiency and repairability for product groups in December 2019. TÜV emphasizes that the aim here is to create long-lasting devices that are not only environmentally friendly, but must also remain functional after the minimum warranty.

EU directives and repair law

The new initiatives in the EU, such as the Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products (ESPR) and the Right to Repair Directive, are also designed to make products more sustainable. Loud Federal Environment Agency Manufacturers must provide spare parts for their products many years after sale in order to enable uncomplicated repairs. These spare parts should ideally be available within 15 working days of ordering and should be easy to replace using common tools.

Thanks to these regulations and the new repairability index, it will be easier for consumers in the future to choose devices that are not only powerful but also repairable. This not only contributes to the longevity of the products, but is a step in the right direction for a more sustainable future. In the coming years we will certainly be able to observe how these developments will affect the market and consumer behavior.