Turning Up the Green for Smartphones: EU's New Energy Label for Devices
Mandatory Energy Labels for Smartphones and Tablets to be Enforced in the EU - Mandatory energy rating for smartphones and tablets to be implemented across EU markets.
Get ready for a more informed mobile shopping experience! Starting June 20, 2025, smartphones and tablets hitting the EU market will be decked out with a new energy label. This label is the EU's way of helping you make eco-friendly and sustainable purchasing decisions.
Brussels claims that this label will make it a breeze for consumers to compare devices based on their durability, repairability, and energy efficiency. Here's what you can expect to find on the label:
- Energy Efficiency Score: Grade that ranges from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
- Battery Lifespan: Information on how long the battery can last.
- Robustness Against Drops and Protection Against Dust and Water: Graded from A to E, indicating the device's fortitude against accidental drops and environmental factors.
- Repairability Rating: Score that rates the device's ease of repair, from A (easiest) to E (hardest).
- Dust and Water Resistance: Measured using the Ingress Protection Rating.
But that's not all! Alongside the energy label, manufacturers will also need to comply with the new eco-design requirements, which aim to improve the lifespan of smartphones, tablets, and ensure swifter access to spare parts. The EU wants to reduce electronic waste and save electricity by promoting devices that are durable and designed for easy repair.
The new regulations will also mandate longer software support for our devices to maintain functionality and security. This will help extend the lifespan of our mobile gadgets and contribute to a more sustainable EU market.
To keep things in check, manufacturers will need to register their products on the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) and ensure that their devices meet the new criteria starting June 20, 2025. So, gear up for a greener smartphone and tablet market in the EU!
A side note: The label applies to smartphones, feature phones, cordless phones, and slate tablets with screens between 7 and 17.4 inches, but excludes particular specialized devices and tablet computers with desktop-like operating systems[2][5].
In line with the new energy label, consumers will easily compare smartphones and tablets based on their repairability, durability, and energy efficiency, as these devices will soon be incorporated into Brussels' eco-friendly purchasing decisions (employment policy, technology). Moreover, expecting longer software support for mobile gadgets can help reduce electronic waste and save electricity, ultimately contributing to the EU's commitment to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly technology (smartphones, employment policy, gadgets).
