EU Mandates User-Replaceable Batteries in Devices from 2027

European Union regulators are mandating that batteries in smartphones, tablets and other portable devices become easily replaceable by users starting in February 2027, as part of a broader initiative to reduce electronic waste and promote sustainability across the bloc.

The requirement, outlined in a 2023 battery regulation that takes effect next year, targets the design of new devices sold in the EU. Manufacturers must ensure batteries can be removed and replaced without specialized tools, thermal energy or solvents. If any such tools are needed, they must be provided free with the product. Replacement batteries for each model will also need to remain available to consumers for at least five years after the last unit is sold.

This shift addresses a common issue with current devices, where batteries are often glued or sealed in place, requiring professional repair services. Officials estimate that the rules could help EU consumers save up to 20 billion euros by 2030 through lower repair costs and extended device lifespans, while cutting the bloc's annual electronic waste from roughly 5 million tonnes, of which less than 40 percent is currently recycled.