EU exempts wearables from upcoming replaceable battery rule

The European Commission has moved to exempt wearable technology, including smart glasses, smartwatches, and fitness trackers, from upcoming European Union rules that would have required consumers to be able to remove and replace device batteries themselves. The decision, adopted on July 14, 2026, clears a significant regulatory hurdle for companies like Meta, Apple, Samsung, and Google seeking to sell their latest wearable products across the EU market.

The exemption was enacted through a delegated act that adds six product categories to a list of exceptions under the EU's broader Batteries Regulation. That regulation, set for a wider rollout in 2027, generally mandates that portable batteries in consumer products be removable and replaceable by end-users, a rule designed to extend product lifespans and reduce electronic waste. The newly exempted categories cover wearable devices, electric toys, and equipment used in explosive atmospheres.

Officials stated the exemption is based on safety and technical grounds. They argued that for compact, sealed devices often used in wet or humid environments, allowing consumers to open the enclosure could compromise water resistance and...