How will France’s household appliance and tool repair grants work?

Reader Question: How does the new aid to repair broken household goods work in France? Do I need to pay and reclaim back and, if so, how?

People in France will soon be able to access small grants (from €10 - €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 to launch grants for people to repair home electronic goods

Payments will vary depending on the type of appliance to be fixed.

Officially-recognised repairers will also be signposted as part of the scheme.

The law has also banned appliances from being sold if they cannot be repaired in the case of a fault. Many devices must also carry an indice de reparabilité reparability indicator showing how easy it will be to fix them.

The law aims to reduce waste and boost the ‘circular economy’ with a budget of €410million available for the scheme until 2027.

The initiative will begin on December 15.

How much will be given in grants?

The amount paid in grants will range from €10 to €45 depending on the appliance being repaired, and not the customer’s income or the cost of the repair.

Washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer, freezer, tablet, mobile phone and television repairs, for example, would generally be eligible for up to €25.

Stove, microwave and in-built oven repairs would get €20.

How do I benefit?

The customer does not need to do anything to benefit from the repair grant as it will be deducted automatically from their bill at the time of payment.

However, you must take the appliance to an accredited professional who has been given a QualiRépair label, in order to benefit. Click on Où et comment recycler and then choose the réparer (repair) option in your search for a service near your postcode area.

Repairers can request to be part of the scheme here.

You should also check that the device is on the list of types of eligible appliances and is out of its warranty period (otherwise, make use of its warranty).

Which appliances are concerned?

The loi Agec will cover devices including:

• Electric and electronic appliances such as washing machines, tablets, fridges, hoovers, freezers, drills, mobile phones and wine fridges

• Toys, sports and leisure equipment

• Furniture

• DIY and gardening tools

The first products to be concerned by the law when it comes into effect on December 15 are the electric and electronic appliances mentioned above.

They will be followed in 2023 by dishwashers, tumble dryers, built-in ovens, stoves, stand-alone cookers, laptops, digital cameras, sports equipment, audio or video equipment, games consoles, drones, kitchen stove hoods, musical instruments, garden tools, coffee machines, kettles, blenders and toasters.

From 2024, microwaves, PCs, landline phones, printers and scanners, monitors and deep fat fryers will be included as well.

From 2025, mobile air conditioning units, epilators, hairdryers, straighteners, razors, lawn mowers, steam cleaners, power tools, dehumidifiers and air purifiers will also be added.

Related articles

France to introduce out-of-warranty repair fund for electronics

Products to show ‘durability and repairability’ rating

Supermarkets in France offer anti-waste measures to help shoppers save