Manufacturers of mobile phones and tablets should make their devices more robust and easy to repair. The EU Commission is demanding this in order to avoid even more electronic waste in the future. School grades are intended to help consumers with their assessment.
EU: Mobile phones must become more repairable
According to a proposal by the EU Commission, manufacturers of smartphones and tablets have to rethink. To avoid e-waste, the devices should be designed to be more resistant. In addition, the Commission wants to ensure that customers are offered many components if they want to repair their cell phone or tablet themselves.
The draft that has now been published focuses primarily on batteries and spare parts. Manufacturers are to be forced to offer at least 15 essential components for every device over a period of five years after market launch. This includes batteries and displays, but also housing, SIM and memory card slots, backs and chargers (source: EU).
The batteries of mobile phones and tablets should also last longer. One Capacity of 80 percent should also after 1,000 charging cycles remain. The EU Commission has only considered exceptions for foldable smartphones. Also interesting is the suggestion that software updates should not negatively impact battery life.
To Calculation of the EU Commission the proposed regulations could lead to a reduction in carbon waste equivalent to that of 5 million cars.
The Fairphone 4 should do well because of its repairability:
EU: Mobile phones and tablets receive school grades
In order to identify robustness, repairability and energy consumption for consumers, a type School grading system introduced will. Similar to existing energy labels, consumers can see at a glance how the cell phone or tablet is doing. An introduction could take place in 2024.