Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The long-awaited shared charger for mobile devices will become a reality in 2024
Following approval by the European Parliament, consumers in member states will soon be able to use a single charging solution for their electronic devices.
By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the European Union must be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. From spring 2026, the commitment will extend to laptops. The new law, which was adopted in plenary earlier by 602 votes to 13 with 8 abstentions, is part of a broader EU effort to reduce e-waste and enable consumers to make more sustainable choices.
According to a statement issued by the European Parliament headquarters in Brussels, under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charger every time they purchase a new device, as they will be able to use one charger for a complete set of small and medium-sized portable electronic devices.
Regardless of their manufacturer, all new cell phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, portable video game consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, earphones, and laptops that can be recharged via a wired cable, work With a power delivery of up to 100W, it must be equipped with a USB Type-C port.
All devices that support Fast Charging will now have the same charging speed, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed using any compatible charger.
Encouraging technological innovation
As wireless charging becomes more widespread, the European Commission will have to harmonize interoperability requirements by the end of 2024, to avoid negative impact on consumers and the environment. This will also eliminate the so-called technological “lock-in” effect, where the consumer becomes dependent on a single manufacturer.
Better information and choices for consumers
Customized labels will inform consumers about the charging features of the new devices, making it easier for them to know if their existing chargers are compatible. Buyers will also be able to make an informed decision on whether or not they want to purchase a new charger with a new product.
These new commitments will lead to more reuse of chargers and will help consumers save up to €250 million annually on unnecessary charger purchases. Disposable and unused chargers account for about 11,000 tons of e-waste per year in the European Union
Parliament Rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) said: “The common charger will finally become a reality in Europe. We've been waiting for these rules for over a decade, but we can finally leave the current plethora of chargers in the past. This future-proof law allows for the development of innovative shipping solutions in the future, and will benefit everyone – from frustrated consumers to our vulnerable environment. These are difficult times for politics, but we have shown that the EU has not run out of ideas or solutions to improve the lives of millions in Europe and inspire other parts of the world to follow suit.
Next steps
The Council will have to formally approve the directive before it can be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. It will enter into force 20 days after its publication. Member states will then have 12 months to switch the rules and 12 months after the end of the transition period to implement them. The new rules will not apply to products placed on the market before the implementation date.
In the past decade, Parliament has repeatedly called for the introduction of a common charger. Despite previous efforts to work with industry to reduce the number of mobile phone chargers, voluntary measures have failed to deliver tangible results for EU consumers. The committee finally submitted the legislative proposal on September 23, 2021.