The European Union has agreed on two landmark pieces of legislation that will bring back user-replaceable batteries to smartphones and tablets. These regulations aim to improve the longevity, repairability, and recyclability of portable tech products. The first regulation, Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1670, came into force last year and applies specifically to smartphones and tablets. The second, Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, takes effect next year, expanding the requirements to a broader range of portable devices.
This shift marks a significant reversal from the trend of sealed-in batteries that has dominated the consumer electronics industry for over a decade. Manufacturers were increasingly moving toward non-removable batteries in pursuit of thinner designs, water resistance, and planned obsolescence. The EU's intervention prioritizes environmental sustainability and consumer rights over those design preferences.
The regulations mandate that batteries in portable tech products must be easily removable and replaceable by the end user using commercially available tools. This requirement applies to smartphone and tablet manufacturers selling in the EU market. Companies may need to redesign existing product lines to comply, a process that could take multiple product cycles to implement fully.
For consumers, the ability to swap a degraded battery without professional help could extend device lifespan significantly. This reduces electronic waste and may lower the total cost of ownership. However, some manufacturers have expressed concerns about the engineering compromises required to meet the new standards.
Critics argue the mandate could force manufacturers to make trade-offs in areas like water resistance, thinness, or overall durability. The rules also create potential compliance burdens that might disproportionately affect smaller companies or increase device costs.