The European Union has approved new regulations that will change how smartphones and tablets are marketed to consumers from June 2025, 20. The new rules will require manufacturers to label devices based on energy efficiency, battery life, repairability, and environmental resistance.
The changes will not be limited to labels alone - experts predict that some older or newer models that meet the minimum requirements may be gradually removed from the European market.
What will change?
According to information provided by The Verge, new EU regulations require all devices placed on the market to carry a special energy efficiency label. This label will allow consumers to see how much energy a device uses, how long its battery lasts, whether it is easy to repair, and how well it is protected from dust and water.
In addition, a mandatory technical standard has been set: the batteries of the devices will have to retain at least 80% of their initial capacity after 800 charging cycles, and spare parts will have to be available for at least seven years after the last product unit has been sold.
Will the phones be removed from the market?
Yes. Although the European Commission itself does not formally envisage a "blacklist", there may actually be no phones left on the market that do not meet the new requirements.
Manufacturers of older models may decide not to update them according to the new rules, so these devices will simply no longer be sold as new in the European Union, including Lithuania. This could affect both the low-cost phone segment and some mid-range models, whose manufacturers will be reluctant to invest in additional certification or labeling.
Smaller brands and some low-cost Android devices are particularly at risk, as the quality of their batteries or the supply of spare parts often fall short of high standards.
What impact will this have on Lithuanian consumers and businesses?
It is likely that the selection of very cheap phones on Lithuanian store shelves will decrease, but at the same time, attention will increase to quality, durability, and repairability of devices.
Major manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, Google and Xiaomi are already actively preparing for the new requirements and some of their models already comply with the upcoming standards. However, smaller companies or cheaper lines that cannot ensure the required level of quality may withdraw.
For businesses, this will mean changes in both the import chain and warehouse management: it will be necessary to more closely monitor the compliance of models with regulations and adjust supply.
When will users feel the changes?
The first real consequences should be visible by the end of 2025. Newly released models will already have to comply with the requirements and carry new energy labels. Shoppers will be able to more easily compare phones in stores based on their energy efficiency, battery life and post-purchase repair options.
Experts also predict that interest in phone repair services and longer-lasting models will increase in the coming years, and the days of the cheapest disposable devices will end.
