The European Union’s legislature has proposed new rules for mobile phone and tablet repair. These rules say manufacturers must separately offer at least 15 components for at least five years after launching a new phone in the EU. During this time, consumers will be able to replace parts themselves, such as batteries, displays, chargers, back covers, and SIM and memory card drawers.
The European Commission is also seeking improvements in battery durability. Phone and tablet batteries are required to withstand at least 500 full charges before dropping below 83 percent of their capacity. According to the proposed regulations, the phones will also need to have a detailed label showing the drop and water resistance ratings, as well as information such as battery durability.
The idea is to reduce e-waste and the environmental impact of phones and tablets. According to one study, increasing smartphone lifecycles by five years means, on average, pulling about 5 million cars off the road.
The proposal also suggests that making phones and tablets more recyclable and repairable will reduce the energy consumption costs associated with their manufacture and use by a third.
The proposed rules will also affect software updates. Manufacturers will need to continue to provide security updates for five years after they stop selling a device, and provide functionality updates for at least three years.
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