EU mandates replaceable phone batteries by 2027

The European Union is set to introduce a major shift in smartphone design by 2027. According to the new mandate, user-replaceable batteries should be included in all smartphones and tablets. The relocation is part of a bigger initiative to lessen electronic waste and prolong the lifetime of consumer devices.

The rule, according to EU will make it more affordable and accessible to repair their devices. The consumers will be able to replace the batteries themselves instead of having to replace the whole phone because of battery degradation.

This policy is expected to greatly reduce wastage and decrease the long-term expenses of millions of users in Europe.

As part of the new regulations, device manufacturers will be obliged to make batteries removable and replaceable without the use of special tools. If tools are required, they must be provided free of charge at the time of purchase.

There must be a minimum of a five-year supply of replacement batteries upon discontinuation of a product. This, according to the European Commission, is guaranteed to make it usable in the long term and minimizes forced upgrades.

The rule has been introduced as Europe is experiencing an increasing worry regarding electronic waste. According to EU statistics, one hundred and fifty million smartphones and twenty-four million tablets are sold every year in the region.