The European repairability index was introduced to help consumers choose more durable and repairable products, particularly smartphones. Designed to give users a quick reference on how easy it is to repair a device, the index uses a letter grade (from A to E) on new energy labels. It was inspired by the French repairability index but includes fewer strict rules regarding spare parts availability. However, the system has faced criticism, especially from French "right-to-repair" activists, who believe it lacks real effectiveness and oversight. A recent survey by iFixit, a repairability-focused organization, and the Right to Repair Europe coalition found that 80% of smartphones released in Europe over the past year do not meet the European Commission’s repairability standards. Many of these devices fail to include information about where to find spare parts, and some manufacturers even give themselves a top score of 5/5 for spare parts availability, despite no official platform for such parts existing. Thomas Opsomer, iFixit’s spokesperson and a member of the Right to Repair collective, said this lack of oversight has led to widespread non-compliance. The system relies on manufacturers to self-report their repairability scores, with no automatic checks or enforcement from European authorities. This has created a situation where thousands of smartphone models are released each year without proper verification, making it hard to ensure the repairability index is accurate. Additionally, the display of the index is inconsistent, appearing randomly in online listings or physical stores, which makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices. Larger manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Google tend to be more consistent with European regulations and have the resources to ensure compliance. In contrast, smaller and less-known brands, especially Chinese import models, often ignore the rules, creating a two-tier system. This disparity can be particularly problematic for budget-conscious consumers, who may end up with devices that are harder to repair. Thomas Opsomer noted that for people with limited budgets, the index has become almost meaningless, as it fails to offer real guidance or support. To address these issues, the Right to Repair collective is calling for several reforms, including a centralized platform to report compliance issues, stronger consumer rights in cases where information is missing, and a publicly funded repair service supported by manufacturers. These changes, they argue, could help create a more effective and fair repairability system that benefits both consumers and the environment.