According to one association, the builders’ ratings are exaggerated

The repair code displayed on the label of some products, calculated at 10, gives an easy idea of ​​how to fix them. Since its introduction in January 2021, many players have highlighted one of its weak points: product manufacturers offer their own scores, not an independent system. In 2021, the Ministry of Environment Announced The world The Competition Guard, DGCCRF, relies on the awareness of the Directorate General of Consumer Competition and the Suppression of Fraud and Consumer Associations. In Study published on 1st^Er MarchThe Halte à l’obsolescence programmed (HOP) Association wants to verify the repair ratings of six products.

To make these complex calculations based on dozens of criteria, HOP enlisted the help of repair experts. In five of the six cases, the manufacturers’ ratings seemed exaggerated. This is how Apple gets the iPhone 7+ Corrected score 5.8 / 10, as opposed to 6.4 / 10 according to Apple: Many spare parts are difficult to access and various documents are missing. The Samsung A41 is rated 6.6 / 10 by HOP, up from 8/10 by its manufacturer: the components of these mobiles are very expensive, and its battery is not removable, under the risk of catching fire by melting the glue that holds it together. .

The HOP calls on the state to set up an independent control of the ratings and then clarify some criteria: their interpretation is, accordingly, more room for interpretation. For example, a TV with a particularly expensive spare part or a smartphone that is very difficult to disassemble, however HOP offers proposals for several revised rating stages to avoid getting a reputable repair code.

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In His study, HOP provides an overall analysis of the index, one year after its appearance. At many points, its results are positive: for the association, the code is determined “Healthy”, And the criteria on which it is based are appropriate. She values ​​his reputation well: 55% of consumers who question him know him. HOP points out that the code has already had an impact on consumer behavior by helping them choose more durable smartphones. For example, the association notes that some brands have advanced by providing comprehensive technical documentation.

But, according to the HOP, other points need to be improved. While this code is generally obvious to smartphones, it does not seem to be sufficient for laptops. In general, manufacturers can improve the visibility of ratings if required by the government to mention them in their advertisements. As the average rating appears to be high, the rating is worthy, according to the association, for tightening the rating for certain types of goods. Finally, HOP, in addition to the five products already involved, namely smartphones, laptops, televisions, lawn mowers and washing machines.