The European Union is stepping up efforts to fight e-waste by introducing a new repairability scoring system for smartphones and tablets. With electronics sales nearly doubling from 7.6 million tonnes in 2012 to 14.4 million tonnes in 2022, waste management has become a pressing challenge. According to Eurostat, only 4 million tonnes of e-waste were recycled or prepared for reuse in 2022, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
To address this, the European Commission’s Joint Research Center (JRC) has developed a repairability score now visible on the EU energy label for smartphones and tablets. The scores, ranging from A (best) to E (worst), aim to guide consumers toward sustainable choices and encourage manufacturers to design longer-lasting devices.
The initiative is part of the EU’s broader push toward a circular economy, where resources are reused and recycled instead of discarded. A key example is mobile phone batteries. Until 2011, batteries were largely user-replaceable, but design trends shifted, making repairs increasingly difficult. This shift created unnecessary waste and dependency on raw material extraction. The new scoring system seeks to reverse that trend by rewarding manufacturers who prioritize repair-friendly designs.
To evaluate repairability, the JRC focused on two groups of parameters. The first includes physical design factors, such as the type of tools needed, disassembly depth, and how components like screens or batteries are fastened. The second group addresses manufacturer support, including the availability of spare parts, repair manuals, and the length of time software updates are provided. By analyzing these factors, the system provides consumers with a clear, standardized measure of how easily a device can be repaired.
The potential benefits are significant. According to the Ecodesign Impact Accounting Overview Report 2024, these regulations could save 0.2 megatonnes of CO2 emissions annually and reduce consumer costs by €20 billion per year by 2030. Extending device lifespans also means fewer disruptions for users—such as losing contacts, photos, or accounts when replacing broken phones.
While the first phase covers smartphones and tablets, the methodology is highly adaptable. Plans are already underway to extend repairability requirements to household appliances and other electronics under the upcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. If widely adopted, the system could transform consumer electronics by making repairability a standard competitive feature, reducing e-waste and conserving valuable raw materials.
Conclusion: By introducing repairability scores, the EU is not only reducing waste but also reshaping the electronics market. Consumers gain transparency, manufacturers face pressure to innovate sustainably, and the environment benefits from reduced extraction and emissions. This policy could mark a turning point toward a truly circular economy in Europe.
