Particle.news

Download on the App Store

EU Mandates Stricter Durability and Repair Standards for Smartphones and Tablets

Requiring energy labels that detail battery life, durability, repair ratings, repair services, update rules, spare part availability, the new EU law aims to curb electronic waste.

Les batteries devront désormais supporter au moins 800 cycles de charge et de décharge tout en conservant au moins 80 % de leur capacité initiale.
Nouvelle étiquette énergétique pour smartphones. (Illustration : montage photo, étiquette énergétique et fond vert).
Image
Image

Overview

  • All smartphones and tablets sold in the EU must display A-to-E energy labels covering battery longevity, drop, dust and water resistance, and repairability.
  • Device batteries are required to withstand at least 800 full charge cycles while retaining 80% of their original capacity.
  • Manufacturers must supply operating system updates for a minimum of five years to limit premature obsolescence.
  • Products must be designed for easy disassembly with spare parts available within 5 to 10 business days and supported up to seven years after sales end.
  • Environmental advocates welcomed the focus on durability but criticised the absence of spare-part pricing in labels and the restriction of screen repairs to professional workshops.