Mobile phone – Image by StockSnap on Pixabay
(BRUSSELS) – EU states agreed Wednesday on a negotiating mandate for the common Europe-wide charger proposal, which would mean buying a new mobile phone does not imply purchase of a new charger as well.
The draft legislation proposes a common standard port for all smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, portable speakers and video game consoles.
The proposal will improve consumer convenience by harmonising charging interfaces and fast charging technology. With this new law, the sale of chargers will be unbundled from the sale of electronic devices, so that a new charger will not necessarily be included when buying a new device. This will reduce the electronic waste associated with the production, transportation and disposal of chargers.
To improve consumer information, the Council added an annex to the proposal with a pictogram indicating whether a charging device is offered together with the device, as well as a label indicating charging specifications.
The Council text also clarifies technical specifications for a common charger.
Today’s prroval by the EU states’ ambassadors allows the Council presidency to start negotiations with the European Parliament once the European Parliament agrees its position.
The proposal for a common charger was tabled by the European Commission on 23 September 2021.
