The European Parliament (EP) has passed a legislative act that will allow consumers in the European Union the charge their electric devises using a single universal adapter, as reported by EP press-secretary in Latvia Jānis Krastiņš.
By 2024 all mobile phones, tablet PCs and cameras sold in the EU are to be fitted with a USB C-type recharging port. From 2026 onward this requirement will also apply to laptops. This new directive is part of EU’s efforts to reduce electric waste and provide consumers the option to make an environmentally friendly choice.
In accordance with the directive, consumers will no longer have to buy a new recharges for every new device, because it will be possible to recharge many small and medium-sized mobile electronic devices using the same charger.
All manufacturers the sell electronic devices in the EU will be required by law to install USB C-type ports for devices recharged via cable and whose power consumption is under 100 W. This includes mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, all kinds of headphones, handheld video game consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and laptops.
All devices that use fast recharging will have the same recharging speed, the directive states.
This means consumers will be able to recharge their devices at the same speed using any compatible charger.
Since wireless recharging is becoming more and more popular, the European Commission has until the end of 2024 to coordinate recharger compatibility requirements to prevent a situation that could potentially affect consumers and the environment. This will also help prevent what is called ‘technological trap’ – when consumers become dependent on the same manufacturer.
According to the EP, information about new electric device recharging requirements will be listed on a special label. This will help consumers confirm if the chargers they have are compatible with a new device.
Buyers will be able to make an informed choice if they have to purchase a new charger together with a new electric device.
New requirements will promote continued use of chargers and help consumers save money. New measures are planned to help consumers in the EU save up to EUR 250 million a year. Thrown away chargers account for approximately 11 000 tonnes of e-waste in Europe every year.
Before the directive can by published in the official Official Journal of the European Union it needs to be passed officially by the European Parliament.
The directive will come into force within 20 days of its publication. After that, member states will have 12 months to adapt their local regulations to this new directive and start enforcing it within the next 12 months. New requirements will not apply to products released on the market before the new directive came into force.