All phones sold in the EU to require replaceable batteries starting 2027

Starting February 18, 2027, the EU will require smartphones and tablets sold in Europe to allow users to remove and replace the battery without professional tools or assistance.

Replacement batteries must be made available to users for at least 5 years after the product's last sale. While commercially available tools may be required to remove the battery, if special tools are needed, they must be provided free of charge at the time of product purchase.

The same battery regulation package also includes additional requirements.

• From 2025: System updates must be provided for at least 5 years from the date of last sale
• Products manufactured from 2024 onward: USB-C charging ports mandatory
• Batteries must be designed to be more durable and have greater wear resistance

The EU noted that approximately 150 million smartphones and 24 million tablets are sold each year. The resulting e-waste amounts to about 5 million tonnes annually, but less than 40% is properly recycled.

EU authorities believe this measure could lower consumer costs and reduce e-waste, resulting in total savings of €20 billion by 2030.