Regulation of Planned ObsolescenceCategory: Regulation | Area of effect: Consumer Protection
The World Assembly,
Observing that many businesses utilize predatory practices to increase sales through intentional sabotage of their product after sale;
Recognizing that large percentages of consumer populations are unaware of the extent of this practice, even after planned sabotage has occurred;
Further recognizing that businesses utilizing these practices will often intentionally make it impossible for the consumer to prevent or solve in ways that do not continue to benefit the business, at the consumer's expense;
Concerned over the environmental impacts of large amounts of unnecessary consumer waste which does not break down for years, centuries, or longer;
Desiring to reduce this intentional sabotage, while informing consumers about its existence;
Hereby:1. Defines a product with “planned obsolescence”, for the purpose of this resolution, as a product that meets the following criteria:
a) A product that is designed and created, with the intent to be traded or sold;
b) A product that is designed to have a limited functioning lifespan, or is designed to degrade in function over time, through mechanical faults, materials of insufficient strength, or self-sabotaging software. This does not include additional software bundled in with a product;
2. Encourages all World Assembly member nations to ban the creation and importation of products with planned obsolescence within their jurisdiction;
3. Requires that all members of the World Assembly enforce the following on all products that meet the definition of “planned obsolescence”:a) All products must have their intended lifespan clearly stated in a way that is made obvious to the purchaser; this must include a warning which states that it is intentionally limited;
b) Warranties must be provided to guarantee that the product lasts for its entire lifespan as stated to the purchaser, or will be replaced without monetary cost to the purchaser in the event of failure. These warranties are not required to cover accidents, or when a consumer has intentionally attempted to damage, modify, or repair a product, or has used the product outside of its intended purpose, where its purpose is clearly stated to the purchaser;
4. Furthermore requires that all products that meet the definition of “planned obsolescence” must not intentionally be made difficult or expensive to repair by purchasers;
5. Exempts:a) Products that are considered as consumable items, as long as the company or individuals responsible for their creation do not intentionally obfuscate their status as a consumable;
b) Products that bio-degrade naturally, and do not break down into toxic substances;
c) Products in which planned obsolescence does not impair the intended function of the product, as the function was communicated to the purchaser.