On 20 June 2025 new EU ecodesign and energy labelling rules for smartphones, cordless phones and tablets took effect. The measures, intended to extend product life, improve energy efficiency and simplify repair, will help consumers make better environmental choices.

The two regulations

Regulation one, the Ecodesign Regulation, requires devices sold in the EU to offer:

- better resistance to drops, scratches, dust and water;

- durable batteries that retain 80% capacity after at least 800 charge cycles;

- clear disassembly and repair rules: manufacturers must supply key spare parts within 5 to 10 working days and keep supplying them for seven years after the last unit is placed on the market;

- operating system updates for at least five years from the date the last unit is sold;

- fair access for professional repairers to the software and firmware needed for repair.

Regulation two, the Energy Labelling Regulation, requires devices to state clearly:

- the energy efficiency class;

- battery life;

- dust and water resistance and drop resistance;

- a new repairability index rating, from class A for easiest to repair to class E for hardest.

Energy labels and detailed information will be published in the public EPREL database, where consumers can download labels and product information sheets to support purchasing decisions. The repairability index appears on EU product labels for the first time, alongside key parameters, helping consumers choose more durable products.