New grant launches to repair home goods in France: how much for what?
The amount available under the new government scheme varies depending on device. Coffee machines, washing machines and tumble dryers are included
We look at how much will be available for device repairs under the new government anti-waste scheme
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A new government scheme to give small grants to allow people to repair out-of-warranty electronic appliances and devices launched today (December 15).
This initiative has been developed in a bid to encourage people to find ways to keep using older appliances, instead of throwing them away and creating more waste.
It covers such items as drills, coffee machines and tumble dryers.
Depending on the device needing to be repaired, €10-€45 is available. Here are the exact amounts available for what:
There are currently 31 devices on the list of things eligible for grants but more will be added next year.
The grants available normally correspond to about 20% of the cost of getting the device repaired.
Everyone in France is eligible for the funding, as long as the appliance or device in question is no longer under warranty and that they enlist the services of a professional accredited by the ‘QualiRépar’ scheme.
Read also: How will France’s household appliance and tool repair grants work?
This certification is issued by independent organisations like Bureau Veritas or SGS, and professionals must fulfil seven criteria – including levels of expertises or the way in which they manage waste – to qualify.
It is hoped that 1,500 professionals will be on the QualiRépar list by mid 2023, but currently only 500 have the accreditation.
Customers do not need to do anything to secure the grant, which will automatically be taken off their bill. The difference will then be paid to the professional carrying out the repair in the next fortnight.
The government is looking to invest €410million in the repair grant scheme by 2027.
Some 10 million repairs of out-of-warranty products are carried out each year in France, but the government hopes that this will increase to 12 million by 2027 thanks to the grants.
The scheme is outlined in the Loi anti-gaspillage pour une économie circulaire (Agec), which was adopted in 2020, but it has been delayed several times.
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