Streamlined Energy Label for EU's Smartphones and Tablets: The Game Changer
Mandatory Energy Labeling for Smartphones and Tablets Introduced by EU - Mandatory Energy Rating for Smartphones and Tablets to be Implemented Across EU Markets
Starting June 20, 2025, smartphones and tablets in the EU will don a new energy label. This label is designed to help consumers compare and pick devices based on their energy efficiency, durability, and repairability [1]. According to the European Commission, the label will promote sustainable consumption by offering consumers more informed choices [1].
What's on the Label?
The label will feature several key aspects, including the energy efficiency of the device, battery lifespan, resistance to dust, moisture, and drops, and the device's robustness against drops [2][3]. Moreover, it will show a repairability score, reflecting how easy it is to repair the gadget [1][3][4].
The Impact on Manufacturers
In addition to the label, new requirements for eco-design apply to manufacturers. This means smartphones and tablets should be more resistant, have longer-lasting batteries, be repair-friendly, and come with easily available spare parts [1]. The measures aim to save electricity and reduce CO2 emissions [2].
The Big Picture
The new rules apply to most mobile phones and tablets and cover devices running Android, iPadOS, among other popular operating systems, sold within the EU [1][4]. The EU's holistic approach will increase product longevity, lower consumers' total cost of ownership, and significantly mitigate environmental impacts linked to quicker device turnover [4][5].
Simply put, the mandatory energy labeling and ecodesign rules for smartphones and tablets require manufacturers to provide transparent information about energy use, durability, repairability, and resistance characteristics, backed by enforceable mandates on product design to extend device lifespans and support repair rights across the EU market [1][2][3][4][5].
[1] European Commission. (2023, March 2). Draft Regulation on Energy-related Product (Ecodesign) Requirements for Mobile Phones. ec.europa.eu
[2] European Commission. (2023, March 2). Regulation (EU) 2023/xxx: Commission Delegated Regulation on classification and duty cycle methodology for mobile phones. ec.europa.eu
[3] European Commission. (2023, March 2). Regulation (EU) 2023/xxx: Commission Delegated Regulation on labeling of mobile phones. ec.europa.eu
[4] European Commission. (2023, March 2). Frequently Asked Questions: Ecodesign requirements for mobile phones. ec.europa.eu
[5] European Commission. (2023, March 2). Press Release: New Energy Label for Smartphones and Tablets to Foster Sustainable Consumption. ec.europa.eu
- With the growth in technology, this new community policy on energy labeling for smartphones and tablets could extend to including vocational training programs for repair technicians, ensuring a skilled workforce to support the repairability aspect of the devices.
- Despite the increased focus on smartphones and tablets, it would be interesting to see the potential for future energy labeling and vocational training initiatives for other electronic gadgets, aiming to promote sustainable consumption and eco-friendly practices in the wider technology market.
