Europe's New Mandatory Energy Label for Smartphones: A Sustainable Purchasing Guide
Mandatory EU Energy Label for Smartphones and Tablets Coming Soon - Mandatory Energy Rating for Smartphones and Tablets Soon Across the EU
It's time to get savvy about the new energy label for your favorite gadgets—smartphones and tablets! As of June 2025, these devices sold within the European Union (EU) will come tagged with a comprehensive energy label. The goal? To help you make smarter, more sustainable choices when it comes to tech. Here's everything you need to know.
Unpack the Energy Efficiency
The energy label offers a convenient, standardized means to gauge a device's efficiency and environmental impact. It rates several key factors:
- Energy efficiency class: From A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), the class helps you quickly assess each device's energy efficiency.
- Battery life per charge: The duration of each battery charge, presented as hours and minutes, gives you a clear idea of the gadget's longevity.
- Total battery charge cycles: Details how many times you can expect to fully charge the battery before it wears out.
- Drop resistance: Each device is rated on its resistance to accidental drops, based on repeat free-fall testing.
- Repairability: The repairability score tells you how easily a device can be fixed, rated from A (easiest) to E (hardest).
- Dust & moisture resistance: The ingress protection rating tells you how well the device stands up to dust, water, and other environmental factors, helping you make an informed choice.
- Battery lifespan: Learn about the device's expected battery lifespan, details that empower you to make the best purchasing decision.
Manufacturers are expected to register products with the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL), managed by the European Commission.
Eco-Design: Durability, Repairability, & Sustainability
In addition to the energy label, smartphones and tablets must comply with ecodesign criteria that emphasize durability, reparability, and sustainability. Devices:
- Must be resistant to accidental drops and protect against dust and water ingress, contributing to durability.
- Must have batteries capable of providing a minimum lifespan and longevity across many charge cycles.
- Must be repairable to encourage extended product use rather than premature replacement, as indicated by a repairability score.
- Must offer extended software support to keep devices secure and functional for a longer time.
- Must provide readily available spare parts to facilitate repairs and maintain device functionality over time.
These regulations aim to reduce electricity and CO2 consumption within the EU, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for all. So next time you're shopping for a smartphone or tablet, remember to seek out the energy label—it's your passport to making smart, eco-friendly tech choices!
