Agreement on common charger for mobile phones reached
A deal on common charger for mobile phones has been agreed at the European Parliament.
By autumn 2024, the common charger will become a reality for all small and medium-sized portable electronic devices.
S&D Vice-president Alex Agius Saliba is the EP’s negotiator in talks with the European Commission and the Member States in the Council of the EU.
"Today, we have made the common charger a reality in Europe! We have waited for ten years for this proposal, but amazingly, we finalised the agreement only nine months after the Commission had proposed it," said MEP Alex Agius Saliba.
Furthermore, MEP Agius Saliba said there would be no more frustration and hustle for European consumers with multiple chargers piling up in our homes. Now people will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics, which is crucial to increasing convenience and reducing e-waste.
"This is an excellent EU achievement with a direct impact on all citizens wherever they live in the EU. Today's agreement is amending the existing Radio Equipment Directive to introduce USB Type-C by autumn 2024 as the common charging port for all mobile phones, tablets, and cameras and by 2025 for laptops," the MEP said.
Agius Saliba also said that he is proud that the scope was extended so that the common charger rules will also cover laptops, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, computer mice, and portable navigation devices in addition to smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers.
The provisional agreement also includes provisions on wireless charging being the next evolution in the charging technology and improved information and labelling for consumers.
"We have also added provisions on wireless charging being the next evolution in charging technology and improved consumer information and labelling. Considering the speed of hi-tech evolution, the Commission will also evaluate all new developments, such as adding new devices to the scope of this law every few years to propose any changes if necessary."