These are the new ECO regulations for mobile phones and tablets: this is how the models will change.
All smartphones and tablets sold in the European Union must comply with new regulations on energy labeling and eco-design. Manufacturers such as Microsoft, Motorola, and Realme already implement these regulations.
Since last Friday, all smartphones and tablets sold in the European Union must comply with the new European regulations 2023/1669 and 2023/1670, which mandate energy labeling and eco-design for these devices. The goal is none other than to reduce the environmental impact of technological products.
LabeledRegarding energy labeling, these devices will, for the first time, carry a visible label informing the user about key aspects of durability and environmental impact. It must show factors such as energy efficiency (graded from A to G), battery life, ease of repair, durability, and even water and dust protection (see image).
In this way, the law aims to allow consumers to compare technological devices beyond their design or technical features, thus encouraging them to make more informed purchasing decisions. "It provides transparency and allows users to easily compare different models on the market, including aspects that were previously hidden or non-standardized," explains the Spanish consumer electronics company, SPC.
EcodesignRegarding ecodesign, by developing devices that are easier to repair and have a longer lifespan, the new standard establishes that product maintenance must be made easier, thus reducing the need for replacement; in other words, combating so-called planned obsolescence. This practice, which was widespread in the last decade, consists of designing products with a limited lifespan, such that they become obsolete or unusable after a certain period of time.
Manufacturers are now required to ensure the availability of essential spare parts (such as batteries, cameras, or screens) for seven years after the product is sold to promote durability and the circular economy. The new regulation also requires designs with minimum durability and resistance. For example, a minimum resistance of 45 drops without a case for smartphones.
This new system follows the model already implemented in other household appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and televisions.
Microsoft Surface devices are the North American company's major commitment to eco-design through the use of recycled materials, sustainable packaging, and a design that facilitates repair, in line with new European regulations. The Surface Pro and Laptop models feature casings made from 100% recycled aluminum and rare earth alloys, and more than 70% of their packaging is produced with FSC-certified recycled fiber, eliminating single-use plastics. In terms of repairability, they offer accessible hardware, interchangeable components, and QR codes that link to official technical guides. These devices also boast Epeat Gold and Energy Star certifications, with energy efficiency that exceeds standard requirements by up to 71%. With this, the company is also ahead of goals such as zero waste and carbon neutrality by 2030.
A year ago, Motorola began implementing improvements to the durability and resistance of its smartphones. All devices are now equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass, a smartphone technology that provides greater resistance to damage from scratches, bumps, and drops caused by everyday use. These phones also have military certification.
The American brand has long offered improvements in protection against common hazards such as water and dust, which are typically two of the most common causes of breakdowns suffered by these devices. The brand has been extending this protection to all of its products, even foldable models. Motorola has reinforced the durability and resistance of the materials used. And to maintain aesthetics and protection, many of its devices include protective cases.
The Chinese manufacturer's Realme 14 Pro and GT 7 series already have good ratings in dust, water, and drop resistance standards, and their battery life and cycle life exceed the usual, "so we only need to actively cooperate with EU certification," they emphasize. As for hardware after-sales service, it meets the requirements in three ways:
-Cooperation with after-sales service to publicize the mandatory 7-year warranty requirement for after-sales spare parts.
-Prepare the expected quantity of spare parts in advance of the mobile phone's discontinuation, and regularly maintain spare parts to ensure a 7-year supply.
-It will maintain the molds, tools and production processes necessary for manufacturing.
Product Identifier (I, II, III): brand, model and a QR link to the product information page in the European Product Register for Energy Labelling (ENPREL).
Energy rating (IV, V): indicates the energy efficiency of the device.
Battery life (VI): How many hours and minutes the device can operate.
Drop resistance (VII): ranges from A to E, with A being the maximum resistance and E being the minimum.
Repairability Index (VIII): calculated based on ease of disassembly, replacement of parts, and access to technical information for repair.
Battery life (IX): The number of times the battery can be charged and discharged (charge cycle) before it begins to lose capacity significantly.
Dust and water resistance (X): establishes a minimum protection against water splashes and solid particles.
Regulation number (XI): the product is registered in the European Register of products for energy labelling.
Expansion
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