Chairman, we should consider having regulations against planned obsolescence of products to prevent products which are designed with limited lifespan as they increase waste, consumer costs, and environmental damage.
We should introduce regulations providing for the right to repair as such laws can encourage longer product life cycles and reduce waste and carbon footprint.
This is especially as Singapore, with her limited land and resources, can ill afford an unchecked rise in e-waste or in fact, any waste. The disposal of electronics in landfills results in hazardous pollutants, while the constant need for new products strains our supply chains and increases reliance on raw material extraction. Addressing planned obsolescence and promoting the right to repair are crucial steps toward a circular economy and long-term sustainability.
Singapore’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme holds producers accountable for e-waste disposal, but it does not cover non-electronic products which also contribute to carbon emissions. It does not go far enough in tackling planned obsolescence or ensuring consumers can repair their devices. There are no laws penalising manufacturers for intentionally shortening product lifespans, nor do we have regulations guaranteeing access to spare parts or repair manuals.
Many Singaporeans have experienced the frustration of purchasing an affordable product online, only to have it malfunction within a short time. Without access to spare parts or repair options, consumers are left with no recourse but to dispose of the faulty item and buy a replacement. This not only wastes money but also contributes to unnecessary waste. A right to repair framework would address such common consumer grievances by ensuring that products are repairable and that manufacturers provide the necessary support for maintenance and longevity.
In France, their Anti-Waste Law includes measures such as repairability indexes for electronic devices. This index requires manufacturers to assign a repairability score to their products, ranging from 1 to 10. France also banned intentionally shortening the lifespan of products and imposes heavy fines on companies engaging in planned obsolescence. A phone or vacuum cleaner that lasts four years instead of two would half the electronic waste across time.
Sweden introduced tax incentives to make the repair of goods more affordable for consumers. VAT on repair services for items such as bicycles, shoes, and clothing was halved, from 25% to 12%, effectively lowering the cost of these services. Additionally, consumers can claim back from income tax half the labor cost of appliance repairs performed by technicians in their homes, up to a certain limit. These measures are designed to make repairing goods more financially attractive than replacing them, thereby extending product lifespans and reducing environmental impact. By making repairs more economically viable, there is an increased demand for skilled technicians and repair services, leading to job creation and the growth of small businesses specializing in maintenance and refurbishment.
By adopting similar Right to Repair laws, Singapore can enhance consumer rights, reduce electronic waste, and foster a more resilient economy.
A national repairability framework requiring manufacturers to disclose the expected lifespan of their products and provide standardised repairability ratings would greatly enhance consumer protection. Additionally, an independent consumer advocacy body should be set up to monitor and report cases of planned obsolescence, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Transparency and access to information are key to empowering consumers to make informed choices. A mandatory repairability rating system, prominently displayed on product packaging, would enable consumers to compare products based on their expected longevity and ease of repair. This would help consumers avoid purchasing products with artificially short lifespans, ultimately leading to more sustainable consumption habits. Additionally, public education campaigns can be launched to raise awareness about repair rights and available services, ensuring that consumers are equipped with the knowledge to extend the life of their products.
Responsible businesses that already prioritise product quality, longevity and repairability would benefit from increased consumer trust and brand loyalty, over businesses that rely on planned obsolescence to drive sales. By fostering a market where durability and sustainability are rewarded, we can shift industry standards towards more ethical and environmentally friendly practices.
