June 16, 2025, 1:08 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Starting in summer 2025, smartphones, tablets, and cordless phones in the EU must be significantly more durable and easier to repair. The new ecodesign regulations and a standardized energy label aim to protect consumers and reduce electronic waste.
New laws and regulations frequently come into effect in the EU, aiming to standardize hardware usage and reduce electronic waste. Recently, this was the case with the mandatory installation of USB-C ports in current devices–even Apple had to abandon the Lightning connector for its iPhones. On June 20, 2025, another regulation will become mandatory. This refers to the so-called ecodesign and energy labeling requirements that the European Union is mandating for smartphones, cordless phones, and tablets.
New Ecodesign Rules for Greater Sustainability
The EU Commission criticizes that too many smartphones or tablets are still being discarded because, for example, their batteries no longer charge properly or software updates are lacking, according to “Stiftung Warentest.” The trend of prematurely discarding devices and switching to new ones has been ongoing for some time and significantly impacts the environment. The new ecodesign regulation addresses this issue.
At its core, it consists of two regulations. Regulation (EU) 2023/1670 aims to reduce the environmental impact of the mentioned devices. It therefore includes new standards for durability, repairability, and software updates.
In parallel, Regulation (EU) 2023/1669 introduces a new EU-wide energy label that provides users with more transparent information about a device’s energy efficiency and longevity. It offers insights into energy efficiency classes, the repairability index, battery life per cycle, protection against dust and water, and reliability after repeated drop tests. This allows consumers to choose more sustainable products.
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Product Maintenance Gains More Focus
The new guidelines apply to devices but also require manufacturers to adopt a different approach to product maintenance. With the implementation of the ecodesign regulation, smartphones and tablets must still achieve at least 80 percent of their original battery capacity after 800 charge cycles. This brings the lifespan of batteries into greater focus.
If a device is withdrawn from the market, manufacturers are required to offer spare parts such as batteries, cameras, or connectors for the respective model for at least seven years. Devices must not only be openable in specialized workshops. Instead, repairs must be possible with standard tools or even without them.
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Additionally, manufacturers or partners must deliver the necessary components within a short time. In the first five years, within five working days, and thereafter, the deadline is ten days. They must also make repair manuals and price lists for spare parts publicly accessible.
However, manufacturers must also think more long-term in the area of hardware. They are also required to provide software updates free of charge for at least five years from the date a product is last placed on the market. This is intended to significantly extend the devices’ usage duration.