{"id":1035,"date":"2026-08-16T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-16T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/declaer.com\/the-energy-label-for-smartphones-and-tablets\/"},"modified":"2026-08-21T14:51:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T14:51:16","slug":"the-energy-label-for-smartphones-and-tablets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/declaer.com\/en\/the-energy-label-for-smartphones-and-tablets\/","title":{"rendered":"The energy label for smartphones and tablets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Which devices are covered<\/h2>\n\n

The rules apply to smartphones, other mobile phones, cordless phones, and slate computers. The latter is the legal term for a tablet without a fixed keyboard. The boundary between these categories is determined by the screen diagonal, not by the brand name or the price range of the device. <\/p>\n\n

A smartphone has a visible screen surface with a diagonal of at least 10.16 centimeters and at most 17.78 centimeters, i.e., 4 to 7 inches. A slate computer is between 17.78 and 44.20 centimeters, i.e., 7 to 17.4 inches. Furthermore, it must not have a fixed keyboard in its design configuration. <\/p>\n\n

Devices with a flexible main screen that the user can unroll and roll up fall outside the regulation. Smartphones for high-security communication are also excluded. Note that a foldable screen is different from a rollable screen. <\/p>\n

\n\tA tablet with a keyboard is excluded<\/b>\n\t

The definition requires that the device, in its design configuration, does not have an integrated, physically attached keyboard. If you supply a tablet with a fixed keyboard as standard, it falls outside this regulation. A separate magnetic keyboard as an accessory is different from a fixed attachment. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

What is on the label<\/h2>\n\n

The label shows the energy efficiency class of the device plus four sustainability metrics. These are the battery life per charge, drop resistance, protection against dust and water, and a repairability class. As such, it is no longer a pure energy label, but primarily a sustainability label for the consumer. <\/p>\n\n

This changes what the label means for your marketing. Two devices with the same energy consumption can differ significantly in drop resistance or repairability. That difference is now displayed next to the price on your product page. <\/p>\n\n

The design requirements behind the label<\/h2>\n\n

In addition to the label, ecodesign requirements apply to the product itself. The most well-known is battery longevity. Devices must still have 80% of their capacity after at least 800 cycles. This is tested under charging conditions where the battery management system limits the charging speed rather than the power supply. <\/p>\n\n

Furthermore, requirements apply to protection against dust and water, screen scratch resistance, and drop resistance. For mobile phones, this means protection against the ingress of solid objects larger than 1 millimeter and against splashing water. For slate computers, the requirement is resistance to accidentally spilled water. <\/p>\n\n

This is the part that is most often underestimated. You can have a label created, but the product itself must meet these requirements. If it does not comply, no amount of registration will help. <\/p>\n\n

Seven years of spare parts<\/h2>\n\n

Manufacturers, importers, and authorized representatives shall make spare parts available to professional repairers for at least seven years after the date the product was last placed on the market. This period therefore continues after you have discontinued the model. <\/p>\n\n

The list is specific and includes, among other things, the battery, the front and rear camera assemblies, and the external audio connections, including fasteners when they are not reusable.<\/p>\n\n

For an importer, this is an obligation with a long tail. If your supplier stops producing a part, your obligation remains. Therefore, establish that availability contractually before you begin. <\/p>\n

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Does your device fall under these rules?<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t

Briefly provide the type of device and the screen size. We will contact you regarding what applies to you. <\/p>\n\t\n\t\n

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