Starting 18 February 2027, Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 will require manufacturers to ensure that users can remove and replace batteries in most portable devices with commercially available tools. The requirement will change how smartphones and other electronics are designed, as well as how they are sold and maintained across the EU.
For consumers, the new rules mean buying a phone with a sealed, non-replaceable battery will soon be a thing of the past. The regulation bans replacement methods that rely on proprietary tools, or on heat or solvents, unless the tools are provided free with the product. Manufacturers must also supply clear instructions alongside safety information to guide users through the process. The law protects the right to use compatible replacement batteries without compromising device safety or performance. It also requires spare parts to remain available for at least five years after a model leaves the market.
Smartphones Face Stricter Standards
While the general rule applies from 2027, smartphones sold in the EU will face even tougher requirements from 20 June 2025 under Ecodesign Regulation 2023/1670. The regulation requires phone batteries to retain at least 80% of their original capacity after 800 charge cycles. It also obliges manufacturers to provide access to basic spare parts and repair information for several years, while supporting operating system updates for at least five years after the last unit is sold.
Not all phones will have a battery that pops out with a fingernail, but. The ecodesign rules allow two approaches: users can replace the battery with basic tools, or, if technical skills are needed, the battery must meet higher durability standards. That means retaining 83% capacity after 500 cycles and 80% after 1,000 cycles. In the latter case, the device must also offer enhanced protection against dust and water.
No Return to Old Removable Covers
The new regulations do not require manufacturers to bring back the classic removable back covers of early mobile phones. Instead, they focus on making replacement accessible and safe, whether the battery sits behind a sealed case or not. The rules also address serialized parts and access to impressive software tools, aiming to stop manufacturers from blocking repairs through software locks. This approach is designed to extend device lifespans and reduce the need for new production, in line with broader EU goals on electronic waste and sustainability.
These changes echo other EU initiatives to standardize and improve consumer electronics, including the push for universal USB-C charging ports. As noted in a related analysis on how new EU rules are affecting Spanish retailers, regulatory shifts can have far-reaching impacts on industry and consumers.
Economic Impact and Ongoing Adjustments
The European Commission estimates that new ecodesign and energy labeling measures for smartphones and tablets could together save EU consumers €20 billion in acquisition costs by 2030. The estimate includes energy savings and accounts for higher repair costs, leaving projected net savings of €19.8 billion. That amounts to about €98 per household, alongside a 22% reduction in spending. These savings are not due solely to the battery replacement rule; they reflect a broader package of measures aimed at making devices last longer and reducing waste.
As of August 2026, the regulatory structure is still developing. The Commission recently adopted a delegated act expanding certain safety-related exceptions to the user-replacement rule, with the objection period set to end in October 2026. So, devices will not all have the same battery replacement system, but the direction is clear: disposable, sealed-in batteries are on the way out in Europe.
