European Parliament approved new rules: Electronic products must be designed for easily removable and replaceable batteries from 2027

Recently, the European Parliament passed the batteries and waste batteries legislative agreement with 587 votes in favor, 9 against, and 20 abstentions. The legislation enhances existing provisions concerning the European Union’s battery management, including more stringent demands regarding sustainability indicators. The new statute, considering technological developments and future challenges, spans the entire lifecycle of batteries, from design to disposal.

Particularly for portable devices, including those used for smartphones, tablets, and digital cameras, it necessitates the provision of easily removable and replaceable batteries, a regulation set to take effect at the beginning of 2027. Should device manufacturers require additional time for adaptation, the European Union may consider extending the timeline. Future battery management across EU member nations will adopt a unified approach, invariably exerting profound implications on all aspects of the supply chain, including battery design, production, and recycling.

Image: iFixit

Manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung, over the past years, have abandoned the back cover design allowing for removable and replaceable batteries, primarily due to considerations of device thinness. The disassembly and replacement now demand professional tools and specialized knowledge. This signifies that manufacturers might need to revise the design of their relevant electronic devices, raising the question of whether companies with smaller market shares in Europe are willing to undertake separate designs for local users.

This development will undoubtedly cause considerable consternation for Apple, especially as the European Union recently established USB-C as the standard port. It remains to be seen how they will respond to this latest challenge.