EU Exempts Smartwatches, Headphones From 2027 Battery Rule as €20 Billion Savings Target Narrows
Updated
Updated · PCMag · Jul 19
EU Exempts Smartwatches, Headphones From 2027 Battery Rule as €20 Billion Savings Target Narrows
3 articles · Updated · PCMag · Jul 19
Summary
A new European Commission delegated act exempts smartwatches, wireless headphones, fitness trackers, smart glasses and some electric toys from EU replaceable-battery requirements due by February 2027.
The Commission said forcing easy battery access in very small or sealed devices could undermine safety, durability and water resistance, and it framed the move as a balance among consumers, repairers, manufacturers and recyclers.
The broader 2023 law still requires user-replaceable batteries in smartphones, tablets, laptops and portable consoles, with the EU estimating the rules could save consumers €20 billion a year and cut e-waste.
The carve-outs ease pressure on companies including Apple, Google and Meta; Meta's smart glasses launch in the EU had reportedly been delayed by the battery rules, while Nintendo will stop selling the original Switch there from February 2027.