The directive stipulates that consumers should not buy a new charger or cable for each new device, but that they can use one USB-C charger for all small and medium electronic devices.
These include phones, tablets, speakers, laptops, mice, screens, navigation devices, personal care devices, digital cameras, headphones, handheld consoles, electronic toys, and more.
The directive, among other things, aims to reduce electronic waste and ensure sustainability in the European Union market.
“Half a billion chargers for portable devices are delivered to Europe every year, generating 11,000 to 13,000 tons of e-waste. The same charger for all devices is a better solution for everyone. That will help the environment, save money and reduce unnecessary costs, “said Alex Saliba, a member of the European Parliament.
MEPs are also calling for harmonization when it comes to wireless charging.
“With the increasing use of wireless charging, EU lawmakers are asking the European Commission to present a strategy by the end of 2026 to make all wireless chargers compatible and to avoid new market fragmentation,” the European Parliament said in a statement.
The draft law will be adopted in May, and EU lawmakers are slowly starting negotiations with member governments on the final form of the law.
Parliament and the EU’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee have been looking for a common solution for the charger for the past decade. The bill was submitted on September 23, 2021, while the council adopted a negotiating position on January 26.
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