EU drafts rule against devices that cannot be repaired

The European Commission has already prepared a draft with a protocol phone and tablet repair Across the EU, that means the end of the era of disposable devices. This was created in the initial drafts of proposals for regulations on eco-design and energy labeling on smartphones and tablets.

According to the La Crónica Verde portal, if they are finally approved, they will establish a repair rate and the first EU energy label for such devices.

The new repair classification is inspired by what France launched in 2020. This repair score will not be the only information included in the new label for all smartphones and tablets. It will also inform consumers about it. battery time, resistance to accidental drops and protection against dust and water.

The new label could change the rules of the game and keep consumers more sustainable productsBased on an initial assessment by the Standards Environment Coalition (ECOS).

Regulations will also apply innovative eco design criteria All phones in the EU market must meet the following:

• Obligation of manufacturers and retailers to provide information on spare part prices.

• New robustness demands, such as resistance to drops up to 100 times without loss of functionality.

• Ability of users to securely delete data

• The ability for consumers to freely donate their devices to recyclers and other operators specializing in their reuse.

A rule with weak points

Drafts are now open to receiving comments and suggestions from citizens. According to ECOS, “recommendations still need to be significantly improved.” For example, the availability and interchangeability of certain spare parts places unnecessary limitations on mechanics. Likewise, eco design proposal versus repairability versus reliability.

Manufacturers will have the option of providing long-lasting batteries (with more than 1,000 charge cycles) or offering their batteries as spare parts to end users.

But it also has some flaws. Therefore, the Commission obliges manufacturers to provide spare parts and software updates for a maximum period of 5 years. Also with mobile phones and tablets flexible displays are exempt from these obligations. As a result, such devices could become the norm for manufacturers wishing to ignore EU-imposed design requirements, ECOS criticizes.

Mathieu Rama, chairman of the Environmental Standards Coalition (ECOS), believes that “the repair index and new energy label will change the game for the mobile and tablet markets, making durability a decisive criterion when it comes to a purchase.” device. According to him, the proposal of the European Commission «It could be the end of the era of disposable devices».