Home appliances: the durability index extends to four new appliances

After televisions and conventional washing machines, it is now the turn of four new families of white goods to be subject to a mandatory assessment of their longevity. The appliance durability index is set to be extended to dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, pressure washers and top-loading washing machines. An expansion that changes the game for buyers when comparing two models on the shelf.

From the repairability index to the durability index

Launched in 2021 to fight planned obsolescence, the repairability index is gradually giving way to a more comprehensive tool: the durability index. It has been mandatory for televisions since 8 January 2025, and for conventional washing machines since 8 April 2025. The scheme must still be extended to other families of electrical and electronic products in the coming years, with smartphones and tablets at the forefront. In what the right to repair actually changes for consumers, we already detailed the main lines of this European regulation.

Four new categories concerned

This year's novelty concerns four categories until now spared from the display obligation: the top-loading washing machines, dishwashers, pressure washers and vacuum cleaners, whether corded, cordless or robot. Until now, only front-loading washing machines were subject to the mandatory rating, leaving out a whole segment of the domestic appliance market.

How is the rating calculated?

As with the categories already covered, the rating is on a scale of 10 and is based on several technical criteria: the availability and cost of spare parts, access to the technical documentation necessary for repair, and the ease of disassembling the device. For products already moved to the new durability index, such as televisions, robustness and resistance to wear are also taken into account, in addition to repairability alone. A summary table must accompany each product in-store as well as online, with a QR code linking to the European EPREL database to verify the manufacturer's data.

What this changes for consumers

Concretely, better comparing two dishwashers or two vacuum cleaners becomes possible without relying solely on price or brand. A high score signals a device designed to last, with spare parts accessible at a reasonable cost rather than a straight replacement in the event of a breakdown. This logic complements the reflections already begun on the legal warranty of conformity, which protects the buyer during the first two years after purchase, as well as on the fate of end-of-life appliances, a subject we recently addressed regarding the home collection of used appliances.

That said, the durability index does not replace making a considered choice when buying. Trends observed in the small and large household appliances market moreover show different trade-offs depending on product categories, evidence that the indicator will need to be gradually adopted in the purchasing habits of the French.

Frequently asked questions

Does the durability index completely replace the repairability index?

Not everywhere yet. The transition is happening category by category: it is already in effect for televisions and conventional washing machines, while other products are for the moment still evaluated via the old repairability index, pending their move to the new scheme.

Is displaying this index mandatory for all sellers?

Yes, as soon as a product category is concerned, displaying the score is mandatory for retailers, in physical stores as well as on online sales sites, just like the energy label.

Does a good score guarantee that a device will never break down?

No. The index measures the ease and cost of repair as well as certain robustness criteria, but it does not constitute an absolute guarantee of total reliability nor a substitute for the legal warranty of conformity.

Sources

• AgentLink — Repairability index: four new products affected
• Electroguide — Durability index: the complete guide to choosing your appliance
• Economie.gouv.fr — Choosing the right appliances thanks to the energy label

This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence. Editorial policy