Smartphone makers fail to meet EU repairability rules

Smartphone manufacturers are falling short of the European Union’s newly enforced repairability standards, a development highlighted in a recent Register report. The EU’s “right‑to‑repair” legislation, which took effect earlier this year, obliges producers to provide clear repairability scores, spare parts, and repair documentation for devices sold on the bloc’s market. According to the Register, several leading brands have either omitted the required scoring on their product listings or failed to make essential components such as batteries and display modules readily available to independent repair shops, thereby breaching the regulation.

Regulators are now issuing formal notices to the non‑compliant firms and have warned of substantial fines should the deficiencies persist. The European Commission has indicated that enforcement actions will begin in the coming months, with penalties potentially reaching up to 10 % of a company’s annual turnover. Industry analysts note that the move aims to curb electronic waste and extend device lifespans, while consumer groups are urging swift compliance to give users more affordable repair options. The situation underscores the growing tension between manufacturers’ design choices and the EU’s push for a more sustainable electronics market.