By 2025, when choosing a new smartphone, the French could have to pay a penalty of 20 euros if they choose a model that is difficult to repair, or, on the contrary, benefit from a bonus of 40 euros if they choose a device with one very good repairability index. On October 30, the Ministry of Ecological Transition therefore presented a preliminary version of this “eco-modulation” system in the form of a draft decree for public consultation, thus concretizing a measure of the AGEC law of February 2020.
Smartphones, but also laptops, televisions, dishwashers and washing machines are said to be affected by the measure. Three more devices are currently covered by premiums that are half as high: vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers and pressure washers.
In its draft decree, the state plans to start this in July 2024, but many lobbyists are demanding a six-month delay from the ministry on the website where they are given the opportunity to express their opinions, and the world has expressed its opinion. For the United.b Group, parent company of Boulanger and Electro Dépôt, this deadline is “simply untenable given the necessary adaptation efforts”.
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Inflationary effect
Several stakeholders also point to the lack of clarity in how rewards and penalties are presented on device labels. And like United.b, many fear an inflationary effect on “less wealthy French people” who would not be able to “invest in premium products”. For them, entry-level models are more often subject to penalties.
When asked by Le Monde, the ministry replied that there were “entry-level models with a good repairability index,” such as the Neva Leaf from Orange (139 euros, repairability index of 8.8/10). Example designed to encourage manufacturers to “develop more repairable smartphones.”
However, the calculation of the penalty should evolve rapidly and no longer be based solely on the repairability index, but also on a durability index that is being prepared in the ministry. For smartphones, this “durability” is evaluated based on criteria such as drop resistance, waterproofness, battery aging resistance, etc. So many qualities that require expensive parts that low-end models can hardly afford.
“The sustainability index will likely mean that entry-level cell phones suffer the penalty more than others,” confirms Bertrand Reygner, director of institutional and technical relations at eco-organization Ecologic. Paradoxically, it could be of interest to consumers, says Flavie Vonderscher, who is responsible for advocacy for the Stop Planned Obsolescence (HOP) association: “They are being pushed to buy more expensive but also more durable smartphones.” They keep them longer and ultimately your annual costs will be lower. »
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