End of the line for stuff that's built to die?

A new French law demands that manufacturers display how long their appliances will last. Could this stop planned obsolescence - products designed with restricted lifetimes?

It is news that will cheer anyone who has struggled to get a vacuum cleaner, fridge or TV repaired only to be told it's probably cheaper to buy a new one. A new government decree in France is forcing manufacturers to tell consumers how long their appliances will last. French companies will also have to inform consumers how long spare parts for the product will be available, or risk a fine of up to a15,000 (11,000).

And if this wasn't enough, from next year faulty products - whether it's mobile phones to washing machines - will have to be repaired or replaced for free within two years of being purchased.