New EU Energy Labels to Grade Smartphones and Tablets
Starting Friday, the European Union is launching energy labels for smartphones and tablets, providing consumers with crucial insights into device durability and repairability. This initiative aims to empower shoppers to make more informed and sustainable purchasing choices in an increasingly tech-dependent world.
Understanding the New Labels
Similar to existing labels on appliances like washing machines, the new system will assess the energy efficiency of smartphones and tablets, along with battery life. The labels will also indicate resistance to dust and moisture, and the robustness of a device when dropped.
The EU Commission states the labels will help consumers to make “more sound and sustainable purchase decisions,” facilitating better comparisons between different devices prior to purchase. Additionally, the labels will show how long a battery lasts after a full charge and the number of charging cycles before capacity drops to 80%.
“This energy label will help EU consumers to make more sound and sustainable purchase decisions and promote more sustainable consumption,”
—The Brussels Authority
Ecodesign Requirements and Spare Parts
Concurrent with the energy labels, new ecodesign requirements will be implemented for manufacturers. These stipulate that smartphones and tablets must be more durable, with longer-lasting batteries and extended software update availability. Crucially, essential spare parts must also be readily available.
Manufacturers are now obligated to provide crucial spare parts, like displays, batteries, and camera modules, within five to ten working days for seven years following purchase. Software updates must be provided for a minimum of five years. By making devices more repairable and extending their lifespan, the EU aims to reduce electronic waste.
The repair class is indicated on a scale from A to E, with higher classes signifying greater robustness and ease of repair. A recent report showed that 79% of consumers in the EU consider the availability of spare parts when purchasing electronics (Statista 2024).
Impact and Considerations
The EU Commission believes these changes will significantly reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption. However, as the European consumer protection organization Beuc emphasized, the cost of spare parts and repairs is not factored into the final grade. A smartphone with a high repair class doesn’t necessarily guarantee cheaper repairs.
