Measures to reduce electronic waste, like fewer redundant cables and chargers, were broadly voted by the European Parliament.
1. Double win
With 95.5% of the votes in favour, MEPs in the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee voted on 20 April to tackle e-waste, particularly demanding the USB Type-C port to be the new standard for portable device and harmonisation for wireless charging.
[Universal common chargers] will help the environment, promote the re-use of old electronics, save money and reduce unnecessary costs and inconvenience for businesses and consumers.
Alex Agius Saliba, MEP rapporteur
Enthusiastic about the potential double win, MEP Anna Cavazzini described the vote as a “success”, saying that it reflected “a perfect example of how high consumer protection and fighting the climate crisis goes hand in hand”.
With half a billion chargers for portable devices shipped in Europe each year, generating 11,000 to 13,000 tonnes of e-waste, a single charger for mobile phones and other small and medium electronic devices would benefit everyone.
Alex Agius Saliba, MEP rapporteur
2. Work in progress
The Parliament’s revision follows a proposal tabled by the European Commission in September 2021 calling for a common charger for electronic devices. Since 2009, the Commission has already taken steps forward by reducing the number of chargers from 30 to 3.
The EU executive tried to engage the industry but proposing a voluntary implementation of changes to their devices, but if faced resistance by many, including Apple. The apathy and indifference from those putting these products in the market has no other solution than push for regulation, according to Chiara Giovannini from Anec, a consumer organisation.
3. Electronic devices
With the Parliament’s new push, more clarity was shed as to what devices shall be contemplated to be equipped with a USB Type-C port: mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers, rechargeable via a wired cable. Exemptions would apply only for devices that are too small to have a USB Type-C port, such as smart watches, health trackers, and some sports equipment.
With the growing usage of wireless charging, MEPs want the Commission to present a strategy by the end of 2026 that allows for minimum interoperability of any new charging solutions.
We are proposing a truly comprehensive policy intervention, building on the Commission’s proposal by calling for the interoperability of wireless charging technologies by 2026 and improving information given to consumers with dedicated labels.
Alex Agius Saliba, MEP rapporteur
Anec’s Giovana, who is confident that the revision will be welcomed by the Commission and the Council, believes the common charger won’t be around before 2024 although the institutions aim to finish the legislation by the end of 2022.
