Circular economy: new rules to make phones and tablets more durable, more energy efficient and easier to repair, enabling consumers to make sustainable choices. The European Commission is proposing new rules today.
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The new rules are intended to help consumers make informed and sustainable choices when buying mobile phones or tablets in line with the current EU Energy Labeling Regulation. The new proposal comes as the European Parliament and the Council approved measures to make these appliances more energy efficient, durable and easier to repair. All this in accordance with the Commission's November 2022 proposal, in line with the EU Ecodesign Regulation.
The new rules aim to save energy, reduce the carbon footprint, support the circular economy and benefit consumers in line with the European Green Deal. Mobile phones and tablets produced under the new rules are projected to save almost 14 terawatt-hours of primary energy per year by 2030, a third of the current primary energy consumption of these products. The new rules also aim to optimize the use of critical raw materials and facilitate recycling.
A product placed on the EU market will have to bear the mark for repairability
Under the proposed energy labeling regulation, smartphones and tablets placed on the EU market will have to display information on energy efficiency, battery life, dust and water protection and resistance to accidental drops. It will also be the first time that a product placed on the EU market will have to carry a repairability mark. This is intended to help consumers make more conscious and sustainable choices purchasing choices and encourage them for sustainable consumption.
The new products will use the existing and well known EU AG energy labels. The European Product Register for Energy Labeling (EPREL) will also provide additional product information.
In addition, the new approved Ecodesign Regulation sets minimum requirements for mobile phones, cordless phones and tablets placed on the EU market. Requirements include resistance to drops and scratches, protection against dust and water, and the use of long-lasting batteries. The batteries will have to withstand at least 800 charge and discharge cycles while retaining at least 80% of their initial capacity. It also introduces disassembly and repair rules. For manufacturers, it will be an obligation to deliver critical spare parts within 5-10 business days. It will also be an obligation to supply parts for 7 years after the end of sale of the product model in the EU market. The product must be updated for at least 5 years after launch. Professional workshops will have non-discriminatory access to the software and firmware needed for replacement.
All new rules will have a 21-month transition period before coming into force
The Circular Economy Action Plan 2020 aims to make products more durable, repairable and easier to upgrade. The Circular Electronics Initiative includes regulatory measures such as the Ecodesign Directive for Electronics and Information and Communication Technologies. The idea is that mobile phones, tablets and laptops are designed for energy efficiency, durability, reparability, upgradeability, maintenance, reuse and recyclability.
Ecodesign and energy labeling policies help contribute to the clean energy transition. It concerns the achievement of EU goals in the field of energy efficiency, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and support for the circular economy. They create business opportunities, reduce end-user costs and promote sustainable products.
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Source: European Commission
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