EU Mandates New Labels for Smartphones and Tablets

The European Union is introducing mandatory labels for smartphones and tablets sold within the bloc, starting June 20th. These labels will rate devices on energy efficiency (A-G), battery life, charge cycles, durability, repairability, and water/dust resistance. Beyond labeling, new 'ecodesign requirements' mandate minimum standards for water resistance, scratch and drop protection, battery longevity (80% capacity after 800 cycles), and readily available spare parts (within 5-10 business days). Manufacturers must also provide OS updates within six months of code availability. The regulations cover smartphones, tablets (up to 17.4 inches), cordless phones, and feature phones, excluding rollable displays. Windows tablets fall under separate computer regulations.