From June 20, 2025, new rules for supporting smartphones and tablets will come into force in EU countries. They are approved by a European Commission directive and are aimed at extending the life of devices and reducing e-waste.
Basic Requirements:
Reliability:
Devices must be resistant to scratches, drops, dust and water.
Minimum protection standards are not specified, but manufacturers will need to consider these parameters in their design.
Batteries:
Must be able to withstand at least 800 charge cycles while retaining 80% of capacity.
Spare Parts and Repair:
Replacement parts shall be supplied:
Within 5-10 business days after request.
Within 7 years after the end of sale of the device.
Repair programs and firmware must be available to certified craftsmen.
Support for updates:
A minimum of 5 years of OS updates since the last device of that model.
This can result in a full support period of up to 7-8 years.
New labeling:
Energy Efficiency Class.
Rated time on a single charge.
Level of drop, water and dust protection.
Repairability (analogous to the French index).
Exceptions:
Smartphones with flexible screens - not covered by the regulation.
What it means:
Manufacturers will have to seriously adapt.
Devices will become more durable but possibly more expensive.
The European Commission expects a decrease in overall sales, but sees this as a justifiable cost of going green.
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