Do you think tech companies should be forced to use a charger to make their devices? The EU is one step closer to achieving this goal.
Pushing every phone to the same charger in 27 European countries is one step closer to becoming a reality.
The EU plan will force technology manufacturers to use universal chargers (USB Type-C ports) for portable electronic devices, including mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and portable speakers.
This week, the relevant committee members of the European Parliament (MEP) voted 41 to 2 to support the proposal.
The proposal needs to be approved at a plenary meeting next month, attended by all 705 members, before negotiations with the EU government on final legislation can begin.
The goal is to reduce e-waste and make it more convenient for consumers.
In addition to mandating the use of a universal charging port, MEPs want more clarity on product labelling, including information about charging options and whether products include a charger.
They say it will help consumers make purchasing decisions if they already own multiple devices and don’t need additional chargers.
MEP Alexander Agius Saliba from Malta said the scheme will help protect the environment, reduce inconvenience and save consumers and businesses money.
“With 5 billion portable device chargers shipped out of Europe every year, generating 11,000 to 13,000 tons of e-waste, one charger for mobile phones and other small and medium-sized electronic devices would benefit everyone,” he said.
Last year, tech giant Apple warned that the European Commission’s proposed universal charger rules would hurt innovation.
“We remain concerned that strict regulations mandating the use of only one type of connector will stifle rather than encourage innovation, which in turn will hurt consumers in Europe and around the world,” the company, which uses custom charging ports for its iPhones, told BBC.
On Wednesday, Mr. Agius Saliba noted that the European Commission’s proposal had been expanded.
“We are proposing a truly comprehensive policy intervention, building on the Commission’s proposal, calling for interoperability of wireless charging technology by 2026, improved information to consumers, and dedicated labelling,” he said. .”
“We are also expanding the scope of the proposal by adding more products that are subject to the new rules, such as laptops.”
