EU widens exemptions from user-replaceable battery rules to wearables and other devices
What happened. The European Commission published Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1770, which adds wearables and other products to the list of devices whose portable batteries do not have to be removable and replaceable by end users under the EU Batteries Regulation.
Why it matters. Device makers selling in the EU should check whether their products fall under the new exemptions before finalising designs, since battery replaceability affects engineering, sealing, repair services and cost. Retailers and corporate buyers should also adjust their repairability expectations.
Source: EU Law Live ↗