Letter to European Commission on sustainable smartphones

NGOs are writing to the European Commission to demand smartphones sold in the EU are designed to be repaired and last longer.

We want the EU to set minimum manufacturing requirements that would force companies like Samsung, Huawei and Apple to design smartphones that can be disassembled with readily available tools. This would make it much easier to replace a cracked screen and a weak battery.

We also want manufacturers to provide spare parts and repair information to all repairers and consumers – something that would boost the availability and affordability of repair services.

The requirements should become a policy priority under the next Ecodesign Work Plan and Circular Economy Action Plan.