Consumer's Telegram September 2025

Insert of n. 70 - Editorial office: Centro Europeo Consumatori (European Consumer Centre Italy - Bolzano office)

SMARTPHONES

New EU rules on energy labelling and ecodesign now in force

From 20 June 2025, all new smartphone and tablet models placed on the European market must comply with the new requirements and be accompanied by a mandatory energy label, similar to those already adopted for household appliances, TVs and other devices. Manufacturers will also have to guarantee professional repairers the availability of essential spare parts for at least seven years after the end of marketing. In addition, consumers must also be guaranteed the possibility of easily purchasing commonly used spare parts considered essential, such as batteries, displays and chargers. The possibility of carrying out repairs independently will be assessed thanks to the new repairability index. According to European Commission estimates, these new rules will increase the average lifespan of smartphones and tablets from 3 to 4.1 years. For more information.

CHILD PROTECTION

A prototype app to verify the age of internet users

The European Commission recently presented guidelines on the protection of minors, as well as a prototype of an age verification app for digital services. The app will allow users who want to access adult content to prove that they are over 18, while maintaining full control over any other personal information, such as their exact age or identity, in full compliance with privacy regulations. The pilot countries - Denmark, Greece, Spain, France and Italy - will be the first to collaborate with the Commission on the technical solution with the aim of launching national age verification applications. The prototype can then be integrated into a national app or remain a standalone app.

E-COMMERCE

SHEIN fined for misleading and incomplete green claims

The Italian Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) has fined SHEIN 1 million euros for adopting a misleading communication strategy regarding the characteristics and environmental impact of its clothing products. The Authority highlighted the greater duty of care incumbent on the company precisely because it operates in a highly polluting sector, namely fast and super fast fashion clothing. For more information.

CASE OF THE MONTH
A consumer from Germany was planning to fly from Italy to Germany with her six-month-old daughter with an Italian airline. However, two days before departure, the departure location was changed at short notice. Although a shuttle bus was provided, it departed at 5:30 a.m., several hours before the originally scheduled departure time, which was a considerable inconvenience, especially for a mother with a baby. The airline only offered a voucher as compensation. After intervention by the European Consumer Centre (ECC), the consumer received a compensation of EUR 250, as provided for in the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation.