Brussels, BELGIUM – Today, the European Commission adopted secondary legislation clarifying that only qualified professionals may remove and replace batteries in wearable electronic devices, ensuring that safety and device reliability remain uncompromised.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA Europe) welcomes this pragmatic decision as an important step for consumer protection and product durability.
Compact, skin-worn devices – such as smart watches, wireless earbuds, and fitness trackers – are built around ultra-compact components, delicate sensors, and specialised seals. Replacing a battery without the appropriate expertise and tools can lead to accidental fires, compromise waterproofing, and damage sensors.
By recognising these design constraints and restricting battery replacement to trained professionals, the Commission’s decision supports safe repairs, longer product lifespans, and greater legal certainty for the wearables sector.
CCIA Europe urges the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to support this safety-focussed draft during the upcoming scrutiny period.
To build on this progress, the Association encourages policymakers to extend the approach to the Environmental Omnibus by granting a full derogation for wearables and postponing the application date of the removability and replaceability requirements.
These targeted changes to the Omnibus would improve consumer safety, reduce unnecessary e-waste from self-repaired devices, and give industry much-needed stability.
The following can be attributed to CCIA Europe’s Policy Manager, Leonardo Veneziani:
“The Commission’s decision is a win for consumer safety and product reliability. Replacing a battery in a compact wearable is not a routine do-it-yourself task: these devices sit directly on the body and contain delicate components that require professional training and tools.”
“It is encouraging to see the European Commission take genuine safety risks seriously, while giving tech innovators the regulatory certainty they need to thrive and innovate. Parliament and Council should preserve this safety-first approach during scrutiny.”
“CCIA Europe also urges EU policymakers to maintain this focus on safety and durability in the Environmental Omnibus by granting a full derogation for wearable devices and postponing unworkable timelines. Giving engineers sufficient time to develop safe, reliable, and long-lasting wearables will deliver the best outcome for European consumers.”
