EU's New Mandatory Energy Label for Smartphones and Tablets: A Game-Changer for Sustainable Purchasing
Smartphone and Tablet Energy Ratings to Become Compulsory within EU Regulations - Mandatory Energy Rating for Smartphones and Tablets in EU Imminent
Starting June 20th, 2025, smartphones and tablets hitting the European market will come with an energy label, making it easier for consumers to gauge a device's durability, repairability, and energy efficiency. Brussels authorities believe this will empower shoppers to make informed, sustainable decisions and promote eco-friendly consumption.
Here's What to Expect with the Energy Label
- Energy Efficiency Class: Displayed on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), this rating will give you a quick snapshot of a device's power consumption.
- Battery Life: The label will reveal the battery's lifespan and the hours/minutes it takes to charge from zero to full.
- Dust and Water Resistance: Information about a device's resistance to water and dust will be provided, helping you understand its protection level.
- Drop Resistance: A rating indicating how resistant the device is to accidental falls will be included.
By providing this detailed information, consumers will be able to compare devices more effectively before making a purchase.
Other Upcoming Changes: Eco-Design Criteria
In addition to the energy label, manufacturers will have to abide by the EU's eco-design requirements. This means that:
- Durability: Devices will be designed to withstand accidental drops and resist dust/water ingress.
- Battery Longevity: Extended battery life and Optimized capacity retention over charge cycles will be mandatory.
- Repairability: Devices will be easier to repair due to accessible spare parts provided to consumers and repairers.
- Software Updates: Manufacturers must ensure extended software support to prolong device usability.
- Spare Parts Availability: Access to spare parts will be easier for consumers, helping reduce electronic waste.
These changes aim to promote sustainability by making smartphones and tablets more durable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly throughout their lifecycle.
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To summarize, starting in 2025, smartphones and tablets sold in the EU will come with an energy label providing details on energy efficiency, battery life, durability, repairability, and protection ratings. Additionally, manufacturers must meet eco-design criteria related to durability, battery longevity, repairability, software support, and spare parts availability to encourage longer-lasting devices with less impact on the environment [1-5].
Beginning in June 2025, the EU's new energy label will be mandatory for smartphones and tablets, revealing essential details such as energy efficiency, battery life, and durability [1]. This label, combined with eco-design criteria, encourages manufacturers to enhance device sustainability, promote repairability, and provide better durability, battery longevity, and software support [2-5]. Furthermore, the availability of spare parts for these devices will be improved, reducing electronic waste. By embracing these changes, consumers can make more informed, environmentally-conscious purchasing decisions for their gadgets, contributing to a more sustainable community and technology landscape.
