Starting June 2025, electronic devices sold within the European Union—including smartphones, tablets, and certain cordless phones—will be required to include a new EPREL (European Product Registry for Energy Labelling) sticker. This move is part of the EU’s broader Energy Labelling Regulation, officially adopted by the European Parliament on April 16, 2024. The new rule aims to empower consumers with clearer, standardized information about a device’s energy efficiency, battery life, and durability. By doing so, the regulation promotes more sustainable purchasing decisions and encourages manufacturers to prioritize long-term performance.
The EPREL sticker, also known as the ENERGY label, must be included inside the packaging of all newly marketed devices beginning June 20, 2025. This label will display key performance metrics, such as battery endurance, energy class, water and dust resistance, and drop protection. It will also include a repairability score to inform users how easy the device is to fix—an effort to reduce e-waste by extending product lifespans. Notably, the label must be updated if any specification changes occur, such as through software or firmware updates that affect power or performance.
The regulation covers a wide range of devices: smartphones with cellular or satellite capabilities, feature phones without internet access or third-party apps, tablets with screen sizes between 7 inches and 17.4 inches, and even cordless landline phones. However, mobile phones and tablets that feature a flexible primary display—like foldable phones—are exempt from the requirement. This selective application highlights the EU’s intent to focus on mainstream consumer electronics that have high turnover rates and energy consumption.
According to the European Commission, this regulation is designed to support informed decision-making and encourage consumers to consider sustainability factors alongside technical specifications when choosing electronic products. It places added responsibility on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), who must ensure the EPREL label remains accurate throughout the product’s lifecycle. If changes like operating system updates significantly alter a device’s energy profile, companies will be required to retest the device and revise the label accordingly. This push toward transparency is a notable step in the EU’s larger sustainability agenda, aligning with its goals to reduce environmental impact and promote a circular economy.
