Tech firms cheer, but right-to-repair advocates are outraged
Manufacturers of wearable devices and children’s toys will no longer be required under EU law to ensure that consumers can replace batteries themselves, according to legislative small print adopted by the European Commission on Tuesday.
The Batteries Regulation adopted in 2023 was intended, in part, to outlaw the practice of welding or glueing batteries into consumer goods, so that the whole device must be replaced once it can no longer be recharged.
The measure was due to take effect in February 2027, but gadgets like smartwatches and fitness trackers will now be exempt where the producer can claim that “safety, durability, or water resistance may be compromised by user access to the battery”.
The derogation for toys will only apply until 31 July 2030, again in cases where, “due to the nature or size of the toy,” the derogation is deemed necessary to ensure safety.
