In an interim political agreement for the introduction of EU until the autumn of 2024 one general universal charger for all small and medium-sized portable electronic devices ended today European Parliament and the Member States (Council) of the EU
Βunder the agreement reached by the autumn of 2024 USB Type-C will take place in the EU on Common charging port for all mobile phones, tablets, handheld video game consoles, headphones, portable speakers, digital cameras, etc.. , regardless of their manufacturer. For laptops, the regulation will apply in a second phase, until 40 month after its entry into force.
It is noted that with this decision the Union rejected the objections of Apple, which has different types of charging ports.
Less waste
The introduction of a single charger for some electronic devices is expected to reduce electronic waste and make life easier for consumers who are forced to accumulate incompatible chargers for their different devices.
Consumers will receive clear information about the charging characteristics of new devices, making it easier for them to see if their existing chargers are compatible. Buyers will also be able to choose whether to purchase new electronic equipment with or without a device loading.
These new commitments will lead to more charger reuse and help consumers save up to € 250 million a year on unnecessary charger purchases. Discarded and unused chargers are estimated to account for approximately 11.000 tons of electronic waste per year.
Ten years of waiting
"We have been waiting ten years for progress on this dossier," said Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton, adding that it was an important agreement for both consumers and the environment.
The rapporteur of the European Parliament, the Maltese Socialist 'Alex' Agous Salimba, said that European consumers will now be able to use a single charger for all portable electronic devices.
As wireless charging technology becomes more widespread, the Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή will be empowered to develop so-called delegated acts, on the interoperability of charging solutions.
Below we have the press release announced today
Η The Commission welcomes the rapid interim political agreement reached this morning between the European Parliament and the EU Member States on the Commission proposal for a joint billing solution to be adopted in September 2021. 2024, all new portable mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, portable video game consoles, headphones, earphones, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and headphones USB-C charging port. The deadline for laptops expires on 2026.
Utilizing the power of the single market, these new and long-awaited rules will save resources and CO2, while enabling technological innovation.
Η Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President for a Europe fit for the digital age, said:
Ο Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, said:
The agreement we reached this morning will save consumers around € 250 million a year. It will also allow new technologies such as wireless charging to emerge and mature without letting innovation become a source of market fragmentation and consumer inconvenience.
The current agreement reached by the co-legislators confirms and extends the Commission proposal:
- The charging port and fast charging technology will be harmonized: first, USB-C will be the common port. This will allow consumers to charge their devices with the same USB-C charger, regardless of the brand of device. At the same time, harmonizing fast charging technology will help prevent unwarranted charge speed limitations from different manufacturers and help ensure that the charging speed is the same when using any compatible charger for a device. These rules will now apply to a number of electronic devices listed above. In the future, more devices may be included after a regular market assessment by the Commission.
- Disconnect the sale of a charger from the sale of the electronic device: consumers will be able to purchase a new electronic device without a new charger or cable. This will reduce the number of unwanted chargers and cables purchased or left unused. The results that will occur and the possible extension of the measure to the cable will be evaluated during the application.
- Improving consumer information: Producers should provide relevant information on charging performance, including information on the required power of the device and whether it supports fast charging. This will make it easier for consumers to determine if their existing chargers meet the requirements of their new device or help them choose a compatible charger.
- Laying the groundwork for harmonized wireless charging solutions: as technology evolves rapidly and in order to limit possible future market fragmentation, the Commission will evaluate the various technologies available for possible future harmonization and ask European agencies to appropriate solution in a harmonized standard.
The agreement reached today also ensures that common charger solutions can be implemented without delay, especially given the widely available technology solutions and the ample time already given to the industry to adapt. Therefore, a transitional period of 24 months is introduced from the official approval, so that the common charger becomes a reality for everyone, for all product categories that fall within the scope, except for laptops that will benefit from 40 months.
record
By 2020, around 420 million mobile phones and other mobile devices were sold in the EU. However, due to incompatible chargers on the market, more than a third of consumers say they are having problems, spending around € 2,4 billion a year. for additional standalone chargers. At the same time, discarded and unused chargers contribute to approximately 11.000 tons of e-waste each year.
The Commission has been supporting a common charging solution for mobile phones and similar electronic devices since 2009. Although years of working with industry on a voluntary basis have helped reduce the number of mobile phone chargers from 30 to 3 in the last decade, the approach this did not allow for full harmonization. With regard to the separation of chargers, there was currently no legal basis for such a practice.
As it offers significant environmental benefits, it is important to complement charge harmonization. In addition, harmonization of the charging protocol ensures that both provisions guarantee full interoperability and reap the greatest benefits for consumers and the environment.
These benefits will be enhanced by expanding the list of product categories covered. With regard to wireless charging, the Commission will monitor technology developments and market dynamics with a view to future harmonization.
Press Release
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