EU smartphones are more robust and make their batteries last longer.
The EU Commission announced that the new rules for environmentally friendly design of various electronic products to be sustainable, energy efficient and durable have been approved by the European Council and the European Parliament (EP).
Accordingly, all new smartphones and tablets introduced to the EU market will have to meet the minimum criteria.
RESISTANT AGAINST ACCIDENTAL FALLS OR SCRATCHES, PROTECTED AGAINST DUST AND WATER, EXHIBITIONS OF ITS BATTERIES…
These products are resistant to accidental drops or scratches, provide protection against dust and water, The batteries will need to have a long life.
Smartphone and tablet batteries It should not drop below 80 percent capacity after 800 full charges.
The repair rules for these devices will also change. Manufacturers will have to provide critical spare parts for smartphones and tablets to repairers within 10 business days.
The supply of spare parts for products sold in the EU market will continue for 7 years.
Devices operating system updatesAfter the product is launched will continue for at least 5 years.
Electronic device repairers will be provided with the necessary software and hardware support without discrimination.
The EU Commission also announced a proposal today for additional rules to help consumers make informed and sustainable choices when purchasing smartphones and tablets.
According to the proposal, various information about the energy efficiency, battery life, dust and water protection levels, and resistance to accidental drops of smartphones and tablets placed on the EU market will be presented to consumers in an understandable form.
A point system will be established to show how easily a product can be repaired.
The energy classification AG scale will be used in new smartphones and tablets.
The proposed additional rules will enter into force 2 months after the EP and EU Council audits at this stage.
Manufacturers will be given a 21-month transition period to comply with the new rules.
THE EU HAS BEEN AGAINST THE USB-C REGULATION BEFORE
The EU had previously prepared legislation that would make it mandatory to use USB-C charging ports on electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and cameras sold in member states by the autumn of 2024. (AA)