The European Union is introducing new energy labels for smartphones and tablets starting tomorrow, June 20, 2025. This regulation aims to help consumers make more informed and sustainable choices when buying new devices. The labels will apply to smartphones with screens between 4 and 7 inches and tablets with screens between 7 and 17.4 inches, covering a wide range of popular devices.
The new labels include key information such as energy efficiency ratings from A to G, estimated battery life in hours or minutes per full charge, and the number of charge cycles a battery can handle before losing 20% of its capacity – with a minimum requirement of 800 cycles.
What to Expect from the New Labels
These labels will also show how well a device resists drops and scratches and how easy it is to repair, rated on a scale from A to E. The labels will display the device’s IP rating, indicating its resistance to water and dust. A QR code will link to the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) database, providing consumers with more detailed information.
Other minimum requirements include:
- At least 5 years of software updates
- Availability of spare parts for 7 years, with delivery within 5 to 10 days
The new regulation covers all new smartphone and tablet models sold in the EU from June 20, 2025. Existing stock can still be sold without the new labels until they’re gone.
By introducing these labels, the EU aims to reduce electronic waste, promote device longevity and repairability, and support a more circular economy. With around 687 million mobile phones and tablets in use in the EU27 in 2020 – that’s about 1.5 devices per person – this move has the potential to make a significant impact. For more information on the new energy labels, you can visit the EU’s energy-efficient products page.