2025.12.09
Repairability Index – Tumble Dryers First
The new EU rules for a new repairability index for tumble dryers on the European Energy Label were published on 20 November 2025 and will apply to all household tumble dryers placed on the market from 1 January 2027. The scale, which runs from A to E, gives consumers an overview of how repairable the products are. A similar scale was introduced earlier this year for smartphones and tablets. In 2026, this will now be prepared by the white goods companies in Europe.
How is repairability assessed?
How easy or difficult it is to repair a dryer is judged by the availability of spare parts, how easy the machine is to disassemble (screws, rivets vs. glue), and the cost/complexity of repairs, which affects whether it is worth fixing.
Availability of spare parts:
- Eco Design regulations from 2021 require the availability of spare parts to improve repairability. The ease of obtaining frequently used spare parts such as heating elements, drive belts, pumps or thermostats is now being assessed.
Construction and disassembly:
- Is the dryer screwed, riveted or glued? Is disassembly and assembly simplified (e.g. access to the back or front to reset the overheating protection)?
Difficulty level:
- DIY repairs are divided into levels of difficulty (easy to complicated) based on model.
Cost-effectiveness:
- Rule of thumb: Repairs should cost a maximum of a certain portion of the purchase price (e.g. <1000 SEK for a machine that cost 5000 SEK, based on a 5-year lifespan).
The background to the new index is a desire to generally increase the lifespan of these products by increasing consumer focus on repair instead of new purchase where applicable. It is expected that consumers will pay increasing attention to durability and repairability in the future through the introduction of this new index and other measures within the ”Right-to-repair” framework.
