the EU forces redesign of mobile phones with replaceable batteries

The regulatory alter, driven by the European Commission (EC), is part of the Ecodesign Regulation

1 minute

The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during a press conference in Brussels. Nicolas Landemard / Zuma Press / ContactoPhoto

The European Union has taken a decisive step against planned obsolescence. Starting in 2027, all mobile phones marketed in Spain as well as in the rest of the bloc must comply with new durability, repairability, and sustainability requirements.

The regulatory alter, driven by the European Commission (EC), is part of the Ecodesign Regulation, driven in 2024, and seeks to fundamentally transform the way electronic devices are manufactured and consumed.

Goodbye to sealed phones

The core of the reform is clear: return control of the device to the applyr. To achieve this, the regulation will require that:

Batteries can be easily replaced without specialized tools
Key components are designed for simple disassembly
Closed designs that hinder any repair are eliminated

In addition, the batteries will have to withstand a greater number of charging cycles without degrading, which will allow the applyful life of the devices to be significantly extfinished.

The “right to repair” becomes the norm

European legislation takes a leap beyond the theoretical concept of the right to repair and turns it into a practical obligation for manufacturers. Among the new requirements are:

Spare parts available for at least 10 years
Access to repair manuals for applyrs and technicians
Designs compatible with standard tools

This alter seeks to break with an industrial model based on constant replacement and to foster more responsible consumption.

Less waste, more sustainability

The measure responds to a growing problem: the volume of electronic waste in Europe. By extfinishing the lifespan of mobile phones, the required to manufacture new devices is reduced, and with it, the apply of resources and the environmental impact.

Brussels thus reinforces its commitment to a circular economy, in which products last longer, are easily repaired, and are better recycled. The new regulation affects not only manufacturers but also consumption habits. Buying a mobile phone will cease to be a short-term decision and will become a more durable investment.

Source link