New EU labels set to transform smartphone and tablet standards by June 2025

From battery life to repairability, upcoming regulations aim to boost transparency and sustainability across mobile devices sold in the European Union

Image credit: Sora and Canva

Starting June 20, 2025, the European Union will require new energy labels on smartphones and tablets sold in the bloc.

These labels will rate devices on energy efficiency (A to G), battery life, charge cycle durability, repairability, and IP protection (dust/water resistance).

The new rules also introduce ecodesign requirements, such as:

• Batteries must retain 80% capacity after 800 charge cycles.

• Devices must be splash- and drop-resistant.

• Spare parts must be available within 5–10 working days.

• Software updates must be delivered within six months of source code release.

These rules apply to smartphones, tablets (up to 17.4"), cordless landline phones, and feature phones—excluding rollable-display phones and Windows tablets (which will be regulated separately).

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