The issue we want to solve

Many IT products are designed to be disposable. A single faulty component—such as a keyboard, battery, or memory module—can cause the entire device to be discarded unless the component can be replaced.

How the criterion works

Certified products must include free service manuals provided by the brand owner. These manuals should explain how to replace key components such as batteries, storage, and memory—making repairs easier and accessible to anyone who wants to fix their device.

Benefits for IT buyers and users

For purchasing organizations and users, the ability to replace essential components means that products can be used for a longer time. This has several positive impacts, such as reduced climate impact, a more responsible use of natural resources, lower costs, and less electronic waste.