Starting June 20, 2025, the European Union will require all smartphones and tablets sold within its borders to feature a new energy label inside the box, detailing the device’s battery life and efficiency. This new requirement is an update to the familiar energy stickers found on household appliances, tailored for consumer electronics.
Which Products are Affected?
The regulation applies to the following products:
- Cordless phones (used for landlines)
- Smartphones for cellular or satellite networks
- Feature phones without internet or third-party apps
- Tablets with screens between 7 and 17.4 inches
This rule will affect only products placed on the EU market from June 20, 2025, onward. However, devices with flexible main displays that can be unrolled (either partially or fully) are exempt from these requirements, as are phones and tablets already on the market before that date.
>>>6559mAh/74.9Wh A1493 Replacement Battery for Apple MacBook Pro 13 inch A1502 Retina Early 2015
Key Requirements for Devices
Devices that fall under this regulation must meet five critical ecodesign criteria:
- Durability: Products should be resistant to accidental drops and protected against dust and water.
- Battery Longevity: Batteries must last through at least 800 full charge-discharge cycles while retaining at least 80% of their original capacity.
- Repairability: Manufacturers must make critical spare parts available within 5 to 10 working days and continue offering them for 7 years after the product is no longer sold in the EU.
- Software Support: Devices must receive operating system upgrades for at least 5 years from the end-of-sale date.
- Repair Access: Professional repairers must have non-discriminatory access to any required software or firmware.
What Will the New Label Look Like?
The new label, known as the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) label, will display seven key pieces of information, including details about battery efficiency and device longevity. A sample sticker has already been seen on phones intended for the European market, confirming the rollout of this initiative.
How Will Data Accuracy Be Ensured?
Manufacturers, importers, and authorized representatives selling products in the EU/EEA market will need to register their products through the EPREL platform, which is managed by the European Commission. While manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the data, the European Commission will verify information related to ingress protection, repairability, and battery performance.
>>>4700mAh/72.19Wh B1L4170GWA Replacement Battery for H3C Z4-410 0023 Z6-410
What Does This Mean for Consumers?
This new label is part of a broader EU campaign to improve energy efficiency by 2030. The initiative is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 46 million tonnes and save European households an average of €150 annually, on top of the savings already achieved through existing ecodesign measures.
While these rules apply strictly within the EU, their impact could extend beyond the 27 member states, influencing global manufacturing standards. This push for transparency will likely shape consumer expectations and industry practices worldwide.