Before replacing a household appliance, consider whether repairing or reusing it could still meet your needs. If you do need to buy a new one, compare the rating that applies to its category, then check the parts listed, repair options and warranties for the specific model. A rating cannot guarantee how long an individual appliance will last.
If your appliance has broken down, first check its warranty and whether you can have it repaired locally. The French Ministry for the Economy says the Repair Bonus applies to eligible repairs on out-of-warranty appliances carried out by an approved repairer.
When choosing between new models that meet the same need, look at the durability rating and its breakdown, then check the information on parts and warranties for each model. According to ADEME, displaying this rating has been compulsory in France for televisions placed on the market since 8 January 2025 and the washing machines covered by the scheme since April 2025.
If you’re looking for a new dishwasher or vacuum cleaner, for example, the repairability rating can help you compare models in the same category. It doesn’t replace the need to check which parts you might need and what repair options are available.
First decide whether your current appliance can still be used or repaired, then compare only replacements suited to the same purpose. In France, the Ministry for the Economy distinguishes between the durability rating, which applies to the televisions and washing machines covered by the scheme, and the repairability rating, which applies to categories including dishwashers and vacuum cleaners.
| What matters to you | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Parts and repairs | For the exact model, check which parts are listed, how long they’ll be available and how to order them. Also look for a repairer you can get to. | I want to be able to have my next appliance repaired if a part is needed, rather than discovering too late that it’s hard to get hold of. Around 33% of consumers concerned would prioritise access to parts and repairs. |
| Applicable rating | Check which rating applies to the category and look at the details behind the score. Compare models in the same category. | When choosing between new appliances with similar features, I need to understand what their rating measures without treating it as a promise of longevity. Around 27% of consumers concerned would make this a priority. |
| Repair or replace | Check the warranty, the appliance’s overall condition and whether a repair is feasible. Check the Repair Bonus conditions before factoring it in. | My appliance has broken down, but I’d rather find out whether it’s practical to repair before choosing a replacement. Around 27% of consumers concerned would put this decision first. |
| Suitability for your needs | Check the dimensions, connections, capacity and essential features before comparing ratings. | An appliance that doesn’t fit my installation or household needs won’t solve my problem, whatever its rating. Around 13% of consumers concerned would prioritise this suitability. |
According to the Ministry for the Economy, this rating brings together repairability and reliability criteria. It doesn’t predict how many years an individual appliance will last in your home.
Compare models in the same category, look at the details behind their ratings, and check parts and warranties separately.
The DGCCRF says that requirements to make parts available apply only to certain categories of goods. So the presence of a rating doesn’t establish that every part for a model will be available.
For the exact model, check which parts are listed, how long they’ll be available, how to order them and how to contact the after-sales service team.
A fault may be covered by the legal guarantee of conformity if the appliance was bought by an individual from a professional seller. The Repair Bonus, on the other hand, covers eligible repairs on out-of-warranty appliances carried out by an approved repairer, according to the Ministry for the Economy.
Contact the seller first if the warranty may apply. Otherwise, look into repair options and the appliance’s overall condition before deciding to replace it.
A durability or repairability rating won’t solve an issue with the appliance’s dimensions, connections or capacity for your household.
Work out your installation requirements and essential features, then compare the ratings of models that meet them.
According to ADEME and the Ministry for the Economy, the requirement applies to televisions placed on the market since 8 January 2025 and the front- and top-loading washing machines covered by the scheme since April 2025. Don’t assume the rating applies to another category: check the information for the specific product.
According to the Ministry for the Economy, a repairability rating is still compulsory for laptops, electric lawnmowers, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and high-pressure cleaners. It provides information about the repairability of the model in question, but doesn’t guarantee its lifespan.
Check the criteria behind the rating before comparing two models in the same category. The Ministry for the Economy explains that the durability rating combines repairability and reliability. An overall score doesn’t remove the need to check the parts and repair conditions for the model you’re interested in.
No. According to the DGCCRF, requirements to make parts available cover only certain categories of goods. For a specific appliance, check which parts are listed, how long they’ll be available and how to order them. Don’t assume the rating means every part is covered.
Start by contacting the professional seller to find out whether the fault may be covered by the legal guarantee of conformity. The Ministry for the Economy says this guarantee covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to an individual. The Repair Bonus, meanwhile, applies to eligible repairs on out-of-warranty appliances carried out by an approved repairer.