How will new EU regulations change electronics design and research directions?
For years, many manufacturers aimed for one thing: to create devices that are as thin, sealed, and difficult to open as possible. From a design and marketing perspective, this made sense. The problem appeared when the battery started to lose performance much faster than the rest of the components.
From February 18, 2027, this approach will no longer be possible in the European Union. New regulations introduce a requirement that directly affects device design: the user must be able to replace the battery independently.
This is not a small change. It signals that electronics is entering a new stage where not only performance matters, but also durability and repairability.
What exactly does the regulation change?
EU Regulation 2023/1542 introduces a clear rule: the battery in a portable device must be removable and replaceable at any point during the product’s lifetime, without the need for specialized service.
In practice, this means several conditions must be met at the same time:
- access to the battery without specialized tools
- no need to heat the housing or use chemicals
- the process must not risk damaging the device
- user safety must be ensured throughout the process
But this is only part of the requirement. Manufacturers must also take care of the entire product ecosystem, including:
- clear replacement and safety instructions
- online availability of these instructions throughout the product’s lifetime
- availability of replacement batteries for at least 5 years
The digital layer is also important. Software must not limit device functionality after battery replacement or block compatible alternatives.
Why does it matter?
At first glance, this may seem like a convenience feature. In reality, the change has a much broader context.
The battery is one of the fastest-wearing components in electronic devices. When its performance drops, users often replace the entire device, even if everything else still works properly.
The new regulations aim to change this by:
- extending device lifespan
- reducing electronic waste
- giving users more control over their products
From a market perspective, this shifts the focus from frequent device replacement to longer use.
Where do exceptions apply?
The regulation takes real technical constraints into account. It allows exceptions where full user access to the battery would be difficult or unsafe.
This mainly applies to:
- devices operating in harsh environments, such as high humidity
- specialized medical equipment
- products requiring uninterrupted power supply
- systems where data integrity is critical
In such cases, battery replacement can remain restricted to specialized service providers. However, these exceptions must be technically justified.
How will device design change?
The biggest change affects the overall design approach. Until now, many devices were built as closed systems with limited internal access. Now, ease of disassembly becomes just as important as appearance and performance.
In practice, this means moving away from permanently glued constructions toward solutions that can be opened and reassembled multiple times. Housing design is no longer only about aesthetics, but also about serviceability.
At the same time, modularity becomes more important. The battery is no longer treated as a fixed component, but as a part that must be:
- easily accessible
- simple to disconnect
- replaceable with a compatible unit
This affects the entire device architecture, from component layout to wiring and interface design.
Safety as a real challenge
“Removable batteries from 2027” may sound simple, but in practice it introduces many challenges. Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to mechanical damage and improper handling, so design must minimize user errors.
This requires balancing several aspects. The construction must be intuitive for the user, while also including safeguards that prevent incorrect installation.
Battery management systems will play a bigger role and must be ready to work with components replaced outside the manufacturer’s control. This changes how electronics and software integration are designed.
Impact on business and the market
This regulatory change affects not only engineers but entire companies.
A longer product lifespan means users will buy new devices less often. At the same time, the importance of spare parts and service markets will grow.
Companies must also adapt to new logistical requirements. Ensuring battery availability for at least five years requires proper planning of production and inventory.
It also changes the relationship with the customer. The product does not end at the point of sale. It becomes something that can be maintained and supported over time.
Opportunity for research and development
For R&D teams, the new regulations are both a challenge and an opportunity.
Key areas include:
- materials that allow repeated opening without losing sealing performance
- designs that combine durability with easy access to components
- batteries with longer lifespan and better resistance to replacement cycles
At the same time, repairability assessment will become more important. In the future, it may become one of the main indicators of product quality.
The new EU regulations are not just about batteries. They clearly show a shift in the entire electronics industry.
Device design will need to consider not only performance and appearance, but also durability and repairability. This creates new challenges for manufacturers, but also an opportunity to build more responsible and longer-lasting products.
What’s next?
If you are developing electronic devices or working on new technologies, it is worth considering these changes now.
Adapting early not only ensures compliance but can also become a competitive advantage.
Contact our R&D teamif you want to check how to prepare your products for upcoming changes and use their potential in practice.