The market for refurbished smartphones, PCs and connected devices is showing steady growth across both consumer and commercial segments. According to recent insights from Canalys (now part of Omdia), buyers increasingly consider refurbished options, particularly when prices are up to 30% lower than new devices. Likewise, more channel partners are offering refurbished portfolios to meet demand. SecondaryMarket.news reported earlies on this initiative.
A trust gap still persists
Despite this growth, a major hurdle remains: lack of trust. In a European consumer survey, concerns such as battery life, the use of counterfeit parts and limited transparency on refurbishment processes ranked high. Commercial customers also remain sceptical, often needing reassurance from channel partners about the reliability and legitimacy of refurbished hardware.
France pushes for greater transparency
To tackle these trust issues, the French government is developing a new labeling system for refurbished devices. Announced during the Reuse Economy Expo in Paris, the initiative is being led in collaboration with the General Directorate for Enterprises. France, already ahead of many EU countries in circularity legislation, seems a natural first mover.
The label aims to set standards
The label’s objective is to provide clarity on device origin, refurbishment methods, and component quality. Key elements under discussion include a standardized grading system, visibility into the refurbishment process, and information on OS and security support. These details are critical for consumers and businesses alike to make informed purchasing decisions.
Commercial adoption requires inclusivity
The legislation is expected to focus first on consumer smartphones, but commercial IT buyers represent a significant opportunity. Experts argue the label must also consider B2B buyers and apply across hardware categories. For real impact, the scheme should be inclusive of smaller refurbishers and align with the high standards already set by OEM-certified refurbishment programs.
Harmonizing labels across the EU
While the French initiative is a starting point, broader adoption will require EU-level harmonization. This would allow for consistent implementation across member states, helping rebuild trust in refurbished IT and potentially encouraging a shift in public and private procurement strategies toward circular models.
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