Overview
- The European Commission adopted a delegated act in mid-July that carves out smartwatches, fitness trackers, wireless earbuds and smart glasses from the rule requiring consumers to remove and replace portable batteries.
- For devices that qualify, batteries will only have to be removable and replaceable by independent professionals rather than by end users, and manufacturers must make any specialised tools available to those professionals at reasonable, non‑discriminatory terms.
- The exemption covers six other narrow categories such as rechargeable electric toys, wireless food-thermometer probes, equipment for explosive atmospheres, on-body medical delivery systems, and telematics for agricultural and construction machinery.
- News reports linked the move to diplomatic and industry pressure over product rollouts, including U.S. concerns that affected Meta’s smart glasses, while the Commission said it acted on safety, water-resistance and technical feasibility after broad consultation.
- The delegated act must survive scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council and will take effect 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU if neither body objects ahead of the Batteries Regulation’s wider rollout in 2027.