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EU Repairability Rules: Most Smartphone Makers Still Not Complying, Report Finds

Right to Repair Europe says over 80% of devices lack required repair information, one year after regulations took effect

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By LineZotpaper
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Read Time3 min
Sources2 outlets
One year after the EU's repairability requirements for smartphones and tablets came into force, more than 80 percent of devices still lack the necessary repair information, according to a report by Right to Repair Europe. The campaign group found that of 2,334 records for smartphone models brought to market in the last year, only about 18 percent list a website where spare parts prices or repair instructions can be found.

The EU rules, which took effect from June 2025, require manufacturers to provide a mandatory self-reported repairability score and publish information to help users repair their devices. However, a review of the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling revealed widespread non-compliance.

Right to Repair Europe reports that roughly half of the records simply have blanks where the URL should be, while another 19 percent refer to a product page or support page that contains no relevant repair instructions or spare parts listings. Some records even direct customers to Temu or AliExpress for spare parts and repair instructions.

Despite the missing information, some manufacturers have awarded themselves top marks for repairability, resulting in a self-declared class A score. The campaign group also notes that where spare parts are listed, prices often appear in a ridiculously wide bracket — for example, between €14 and €128 for a replacement battery.

Even for technically compliant products, the listed weblink rarely offers a direct path to parts prices. For major brands such as Apple and Samsung, it can take several clicks before finding the required information, according to Right to Repair.

The repair score and link to repair information should be on the energy efficiency label on products, but the link is missing for a significant number of products in both physical stores and online.

Right to Repair Europe questions the effectiveness of the EU's approach, noting that no public authority appears to have checked the declared data, as thousands of blank fields seem to have gone unnoticed. The group also questions the wisdom of allowing manufacturers to self-assess their repairability scores.

"The obligation for publicly available spare parts prices and repair manuals is a great step forward, but it needs to be enforced better," said Thomas Opsomer, iFixit's EU policy spokesperson, on behalf of the Right to Repair Europe Coalition. "Since the repairability scores are self-assigned, manufacturers should be required to publish the full documentation underpinning the scores they report, so that anyone can check their homework. It should also be made easier for consumers and repairers to report non-compliance."

Next year, repairability is set to get another boost. EU regulations come into force in February that will require new mobile devices to have user-replaceable batteries, with some exceptions for products like wearables.

The European Commission has been asked for comment.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • Consumers in the EU are unable to easily find repair information and spare parts prices, undermining the intended benefits of the repairability rules.
  • The lack of enforcement raises questions about the EU's regulatory credibility and whether other eco-design requirements will face similar non-compliance.
  • The upcoming battery replacement mandate in 2027 could face similar implementation challenges if enforcement does not improve.

Background

The EU's repairability rules for smartphones and tablets were adopted as part of broader eco-design regulations aimed at extending product lifespans and reducing electronic waste. Manufacturers were required to self-report a repairability score and provide repair information starting June 2025. The rules are part of the EU's Circular Economy Action Plan. Companies have faced similar scrutiny in other areas, such as the right to repair movement in the US and Europe.

Key Perspectives

Right to Repair Europe / iFixit: The rules are a good step but enforcement is lacking. They argue for mandatory publication of the data behind self-assigned scores and easier reporting of non-compliance. Smartphone Manufacturers (implicit): Some have not complied or have provided inadequate information. Their actions suggest either oversight or a deliberate strategy to avoid transparency. European Commission: Has not yet responded publicly. The agency is responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance, but the report suggests no active checks have been conducted.

What to Watch

  • Whether the European Commission takes enforcement action against non-compliant manufacturers.
  • The transition to the February 2027 battery replacement requirement and whether similar compliance gaps emerge.
  • Consumer and repairer complaints to national enforcement authorities, which could trigger investigations.

Sources

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Articles published under the Zotpaper byline are synthesized from multiple source publications by our AI editor and reviewed by our editorial process. Each story combines reporting from credible outlets to give readers a balanced, comprehensive view.

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