Reader question: How does the new aid for repairing broken household appliances work in France? Do I have to pay and claim back and if so how?
People in France will soon have access to small grants (from €10 to €45) to help them with the cost of repairing household appliances under the loi Anti-gaspillage pour une économie circulaire (loi Agec).
Read more: France introduces subsidies for repairs of electronic household appliances
Payments vary depending on the type of device being repaired.
Officially recognized workshops are also signposted as part of the programme.
The law also prohibits the sale of equipment that cannot be repaired if it fails. Many devices are also required to carry a repair indicator “indice de reparabilité” showing how easy it will be to repair.
The law aims to reduce waste and boost the “circular economy” with a €410 million budget available for the program until 2027.
The initiative starts on December 15th.
What amounts are subsidies granted?
The subsidy amount paid varies between €10 and €45 depending on the device to be repaired and not on the customer’s income or the cost of the repair.
For example, repairs to washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers, freezers, tablets, cell phones and televisions are usually eligible for funding of up to 25 euros.
Cooker, microwave and built-in oven repairs would cost €20.
How do I benefit?
The customer does not have to do anything to benefit from the repair subsidy as it is automatically deducted from their bill at the time of payment.
However, you must take the device to an approved professional who has obtained a QualiRépair label to benefit from it. Click on Où et comment recycler and then select the réparer (repair) option in your search for a service near your postcode area.
Workshops can apply here to participate in the program.
You should also check if the device is on the list of allowed device types and is out of warranty (if not, claim the warranty).
What devices are you talking about?
The loi Agec covers devices including:
-
Electrical and electronic devices such as washing machines, tablets, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, freezers, drills, mobile phones and wine coolers
-
Toys, sports and leisure equipment
-
Furniture
-
DIY and garden tools
The first products to be affected by the law, which comes into force on December 15, are the electrical and electronic equipment mentioned above.
Dishwashers, tumble dryers, built-in ovens, stoves, free-standing stoves, laptops, digital cameras, sports equipment, audio or video equipment, game consoles, drones, extractor hoods, musical instruments, garden tools, coffee machines, kettles, mixers and toasters will follow in 2023.
From 2024, this will also include microwaves, PCs, landline phones, printers and scanners, monitors and fryers.
From 2025, mobile air conditioners, epilators, hair dryers, hair straighteners, razors, lawn mowers, steam cleaners, power tools, dehumidifiers and air purifiers will also be added.
Related Articles
France introduces a fund for out-of-warranty repairs on electronics
Products that have a “Durability and Repairability” rating
Supermarkets in France offer anti-waste measures to help shoppers save
www.connexionfrance.com
https://www.connexionfrance.com/article/Practical/Your-Questions/Everyday-Life/How-will-France-s-household-appliance-and-tool-repair-grants-work