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Broken smartphones (picture from 2014): Electronic devices should no longer be thrown away so quickly
Photo: Stephane de Sakutin / AFP
In the future, devices such as mobile phones and tablets will be easier to repair in the EU.
Manufacturers must provide certain replacement parts such as displays and batteries for seven years, and repair information and software updates for five years.
This is what the new eco-design rules stipulate, which the EU member states and the EU Commission agreed on on Friday.
For refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, televisions and other devices, the requirements have been in effect since March 2021.
According to the ministries, the rules are to be finally adopted by the EU Commission in the coming year and will apply to all devices sold in the EU after a transitional period of 21 months.
The EU Parliament and the EU states theoretically have three months to object to the project, but this is considered very unlikely.
If there are no objections, the new law can be adopted.
Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) spoke of a good balance between the interests of business and climate protection.
"With the new regulations, we are simplifying the repair and recycling of smartphones and tablets, thereby extending their useful life," the minister is quoted as saying in a statement.
"At the same time, we have found a good balance between the interests of business and climate protection with the future product requirements."
The new rules conserve resources and lay the foundation for the sustainable use of electrical appliances, said Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens) according to the announcement.
»No one should have to throw away a mobile phone because a defective battery cannot be removed«.
A basis is laid for the sustainable use of electronic devices in the European Union.
"We're taking another step out of the throwaway society."
ani/dpa
