The European Commission has adopted a new delegated act that exempts compact electronic devices, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart glasses, from the EU Batteries Regulation requirement that users must be able to replace batteries themselves. While these wearables are now exempt, smartphones remain subject to upcoming 2027 mandates requiring battery replacement via common or manufacturer-provided tools.
Why Compact Wearables Received Exemptions
The European Commission’s decision to exempt specific devices stems from technical limitations. According to the Commission, the requirement for consumer-removable batteries is impractical for products where opening the device may compromise safety, durability, or water resistance or simply is not practical due to their compact design.
The list of newly exempt products includes:
- Smartwatches and fitness trackers
- Smart glasses
- Electronics embedded into clothing or accessories
- Rechargeable electric toys
- Portable food-thermometer probes
- Certain on-body medical delivery systems
- Roof-mounted telematics devices for agricultural and construction equipment
- Products for explosive environments
Did you know? While consumers may not be able to swap their own batteries in these devices, the new regulation still mandates that manufacturers provide repair options, often through independent professionals, to ensure the devices do not become disposable waste.
The Path Toward Professional Repairability
Exemption from user-replaceability does not mean these devices are destined for the landfill. Under the updated framework, manufacturers must still ensure that batteries can be replaced by independent professionals in many cases. This maintains the EU’s broader goal of a circular economy—a policy shift introduced in 2023 intended to extend the lifecycle of electronics and improve recycling rates.
Industry movement is already visible. For example, the Pixel Watch 4, released last year, was designed with a focus on repairability, marking it as Google’s first repairable smartwatch.
Smartphone Regulations Remain Unchanged
Smartphones are notably absent from this list of exemptions. The 2027 deadline for smartphones remains in effect, requiring manufacturers to design devices that allow for battery replacement. Unlike the “snap-off” battery covers of the past, the current regulation requires that batteries be replaceable using common tools or specific tools provided by the manufacturer, provided the operation can be performed safely.
These requirements have already begun to influence hardware roadmaps for companies selling devices in Europe.
Pro Tip: If you are looking to extend the life of your current wearable, check the manufacturer’s website for “Self-Repair” programs or authorized service center locators. Even if a battery isn’t user-replaceable, professional service can often breathe new life into a device with a degraded charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still replace the battery in my smartwatch?
While the new regulation exempts smartwatches from mandatory user-replaceable designs, manufacturers are still required to offer professional repair options. You may need to visit an authorized service center or an independent professional to have the battery replaced.
When do the new smartphone battery rules take effect?
The rules requiring that smartphone batteries be replaceable using common or manufacturer-provided tools are set to take effect in 2027.
Why are some devices exempt while others are not?
The European Commission granted exemptions to devices where opening the device may compromise safety, durability, or water resistance or simply is not practical due to their compact design. Smartphones do not meet the criteria for these specific exemptions.
What is the next step for this legislation?
The delegated act is currently undergoing scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Barring any objections, the exemptions will become law 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
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