Starting in June 2025, new EU rules will push tech companies to design gadgets that are not only smarter but also better for the planet and your wallet. This is a major step toward a circular economy, where sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, but a legal requirement.
Your smartphone, your planet: the EU’s game-changing rules for greener tech
Built to last, not to replace
The new regulations come from two key EU laws: the Ecodesign Regulation and the Energy Labelling Regulation. Together, they aim to give consumers better-quality products that stay useful longer, reduce environmental impact, and help fight electronic waste.
From mid-2025, all smartphones, tablets, and wireless phones sold in the EU must meet tough new standards. That means devices will need to be more resistant to drops, scratches, dust, and water. Batteries must last at least 800 charging cycles while keeping 80% of their capacity. And here’s a big one — manufacturers will have to keep spare parts available for up to 7 years after a device goes off the market.
On top of that, companies will have to provide system updates for at least five years and deliver essential spare parts within 5 to 10 working days. Repair professionals will also get access to the software they need, breaking the current repair monopoly held by brand-authorized shops. That means cheaper, faster fixes for you.
A label that actually tells you something
Say goodbye to vague specs and hello to clear, useful info. Under the new rules, every device must come with an updated energy label that goes beyond just power consumption. It will include battery life, durability, and a brand-new feature: the repairability score.
This score will rank devices from A (super easy to repair) to E (nearly impossible), giving you real insight into how serviceable your gadget is. No more guesswork — just transparency.
And it doesn’t stop there. All of this data will be made public in the EU’s EPREL database, so consumers, journalists, and watchdog groups can fact-check company claims and hold brands accountable.
Saving energy, money, and the planet
These aren’t just symbolic changes. The EU estimates that by 2030, the new rules will save 2.2 terawatt-hours of electricity — that’s about a third of what would be used without the regulations or enough to power half of Malta.
And for your bank account? Extended device lifespans and cheaper repairs could help EU consumers save €20 billion by 2030.
It’s also a win for the climate. By designing products to last, the EU is cutting down on the need for critical raw materials — many of which come with a heavy environmental and geopolitical cost. Easier recycling and repair mean less mining, less waste, and more resource independence for Europe.
Setting the global standard
The rules — passed in July 2023 — apply to devices with hard screens, so flexible-screen tablets and ultra-secure smartphones are excluded for now. But make no mistake: this is part of the EU’s bigger Circular Electronics initiative, which aims to make all consumer tech more durable, repairable, upgradeable, and recyclable.
The European Commission is clear about its goals. According to Stéphane Séjourné, the EU wants to “set design standards that apply across the entire single market, support innovation, and give consumers devices that are built to last.” Commissioner Dan Jørgensen adds that longer-lasting, energy-efficient products are not just better for the planet — they’re better for people, too.
The bigger picture: making sustainability the default
This is just one part of a much larger transformation. Back in 2020, the EU launched its Circular Economy Action Plan to legally support sustainable design and consumption. Since then, ecodesign policies have already saved European consumers over €63 billion and helped create new green jobs in repair and recycling industries.
These laws go beyond just saving electricity — they also consider water use, emissions, and how efficiently materials are used. It’s about making the whole system smarter and more responsible.
A greener digital future starts here
As EU Commissioner Teresa Ribera put it, sustainability is no longer optional — it’s the new standard, even in the digital world. Stronger consumer rights, greener products, and more reliable information are the cornerstones of Europe’s digital future.
At a time when we rely on tech more than ever, and environmental challenges keep growing, the EU is setting a bold example. Repairability, durability, and energy efficiency aren’t special features anymore — they’re becoming the legal baseline.
Let’s face it: your next smartphone shouldn’t just be sleek — it should be smart for the planet, too. And thanks to the EU, it finally will be.
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