EU Broadens 6 Battery Rule Exemptions for Smartwatches as Phones Still Face 2027 Deadline
Updated
Updated · Android Authority · Jul 16
EU Broadens 6 Battery Rule Exemptions for Smartwatches as Phones Still Face 2027 Deadline
3 articles · Updated · Android Authority · Jul 16
Summary
Six new product categories—including smartwatches, fitness trackers and smart glasses—were exempted by the European Commission from the EU’s user-replaceable battery requirement under a delegated act.
The Commission said the carveouts apply where opening devices could undermine safety, durability or water resistance, or where compact designs make user battery swaps impractical.
Manufacturers still must provide battery replacement routes in many cases, often through independent professionals rather than owners, preserving part of the regulation’s repairability goal.
Phones sold in the EU remain covered by the 2023 Batteries Regulation and must allow battery replacement by 2027 using common tools or manufacturer-provided tools.
The delegated act now goes to the European Parliament and EU Council for scrutiny; if unopposed, it takes effect 20 days after publication in the EU’s Official Journal.