Starting February 18, 2027, all new smartphones and tablets sold in the European Union must be designed so that end users can remove and replace the battery themselves using standard tools. The regulation applies to devices with screens larger than 15 centimeters. Adhesive bonds that require heat or solvents to remove are largely prohibited. If a special tool is needed, the manufacturer must provide it free of charge. Replacement batteries must be available at a reasonable price for at least five years.
What the regulation requires
The core requirements are straightforward:
- Batteries must be replaceable using standard tools (e.g., screwdrivers).
- Adhesives that require heat or solvents are banned.
- If a special tool is required, the manufacturer must supply it for free.
- Replacement batteries must be available for at least five years at a reasonable price.
Why the EU is doing this
The primary goal is a shift toward a circular economy. Currently, many smartphones are discarded when battery performance declines, generating millions of tons of electronic waste annually. The EU estimates that consumers could save tens of billions of euros by 2030 through longer device lifespans. Easily removable batteries also improve recycling efficiency for valuable materials like lithium and cobalt, and reduce fire hazards in recycling facilities caused by damaged glued-in batteries.
Exceptions
There are two narrow exemptions:
- Extremely durable batteries: A battery that retains at least 80% of its original capacity after 1,000 charge cycles (current typical batteries manage 500–800 cycles) and the device meets IP67 water/dust protection can avoid the replacement requirement.
- Specialized hardware: Devices used in medical diagnostics or explosion-proof industrial settings are exempt if a removable battery would compromise safety.
Will phones become thicker or less waterproof?
This is the key design challenge. Modern phones rely on adhesive bonding for thinness and water resistance. However, manufacturers are already developing alternatives: rubber gaskets sealed by screws or secure clips, modular internal structures, and more robust casings. Waterproofing is feasible—rugged outdoor phones with removable batteries already achieve IP ratings. Phones may become slightly thicker, but significant increases are unlikely given that design remains a competitive factor.
The battery passport
Alongside the hardware mandate, the EU is introducing a digital battery passport. A QR code on the battery will store data on carbon footprint, recycled material content, chemical composition, and state of health. This is intended to improve transparency for second-hand markets and professional recyclers.
Bottom line
The 2027 regulation ends the era of glued-in, non-replaceable batteries in EU smartphones. Users will gain longer device lifespans, easier