The French Ministry of Ecology has confirmed adjustments to the upcoming eco-modulation plan for electronics. Initially intended to impose penalties on less repairable smartphones and reward highly repairable ones, the scheme has been scaled back. Starting January 1, 2025, no penalty will be implemented. Instead, a € 20 bonus will be granted exclusively to smartphones achieving a repairability score of 9.2/10 or higher, only benefiting brands like Fairphone and select French manufacturer Crosscall models.
Limited bonuses for other electronics
The incentives extend to other electronic devices, albeit modestly. Computers, washing machines, dishwashers, and televisions with top repairability scores will also receive a € 20 bonus. In contrast, smaller bonuses of €10 are set for high-scoring vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, and pressure washers. These measures aim to encourage sustainable practices, though some critics argue the financial incentives are insufficient to drive widespread change.
Advocacy groups push for stronger measures
Environmental organizations, such as Halte à l’obsolescence programmée (HOP), expressed disappointment with the diluted measures. HOP, which confirmed the details alongside newspaper Le Monde, highlighted the limited number of eligible products and emphasized the need for broader systemic changes to combat planned obsolescence and promote repairability in consumer electronics. It seems the French government, influenced by telecom industry pressure, has reduced its repairability incentive program to a limited bonus scheme. This shift primarily benefits a few, including Fairphone.
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