Reparability score — Reparability score

A textile brand anticipates the textile reparability score by defining voluntary policies ahead of binding regulation.

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  It sets up a take-back programme and free repairs for the first 2 years on its premium line.

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  It keeps a stock of original zips, buttons and fabrics for 5 years for repairs.

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  It publishes repair instructions (replacing zips, hemming) on its website with video tutorials.

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  Benefit: premium "made to last" positioning + data to defend itself when the delegated act arrives.

Common mistakes

• The reparability score is not established for all products: the "where applicable" clause triggers the obligation only when there is an EU score.

  Art. 5(1)(i) and Art. 6(1)(u) CRD as amended use "where applicable". At the close of this term, smartphones have a reparability score (Reg. (EU) 2023/1670). Textiles do NOT yet. The obligation to communicate is triggered when the EU regulator establishes the score for the category — before that, the trader applies the alternative information of Art. 5(1)(j) / 6(1)(v).

• The absence of an EU reparability score does NOT exempt the trader: it must inform about spare parts, instructions and restrictions.

  Art. 5(1)(j) and Art. 6(1)(v) CRD as amended by the ECGT, in faithful paraphrase: information on the availability and estimated cost of the spare parts necessary to keep the goods in conformity and the procedure for ordering them, on the availability of repair and maintenance instructions and on repair restrictions. The absence of an EU score is NOT a free pass — the trader must substantiate reparability with the alternative information.

• The reparability score is based on HARMONISED EU REQUIREMENTS — not on national or private methodologies.

  Art. 2 (14d) CRD as amended, in faithful paraphrase: based on harmonised requirements established at Union level. The French reparability index (in force since 2021 for electronics and household appliances under the loi AGEC) is of national origin — communicating it to the consumer on the product does not amount to the ECGT obligation, which requires a harmonised EU score. Member States may not establish their own scores and treat them as equivalent to the EU ones.

• The reparability score is the TRADER's (seller's) obligation, not the manufacturer's.

  Art. 5 and Art. 6 CRD impose obligations on the trader (seller to the consumer). Recital 34 ECGT, in faithful paraphrase: traders should, where applicable, provide the consumer, before being bound by the contract, with the reparability score of the goods as provided by the manufacturer and as established at Union level. The manufacturer supplies the score; the trader communicates it. If the manufacturer does not provide it, the trader must actively seek it (where established at EU level) or apply the alternative information.

• The reparability score is independent of the commercial guarantee of durability — they are distinct obligations in the amended CRD.

  Art. 5(1)(i) reparability score and Art. 5(1)(ea) commercial guarantee of durability are distinct points in the CRD as amended by the ECGT. The commercial guarantee of durability (with a harmonised label under Reg. 2025/1960) operates when the manufacturer offers a voluntary guarantee of more than two years. The reparability score operates when there is an established EU score. A textile brand may have one, the other, both or neither — they are parallel information regimes that accumulate.

Frequently asked questions