EU CLOSER TO INTRODUCING A COMMON CHARGER TO REDUCE E-WASTE

Thu 05 May 2022:

The European Parliament’s plenary session on Wednesday approved the EU institutions’ position on requiring all portable electronic gadgets sold in member states to use the same type of charger.

In a press statement, the European Parliament stated that it is “ready to start negotiations” with EU member states and the European Commission “on a common charger to reduce e-waste and make the use of different mobile phones, tablets, and digital cameras more convenient.”

Consumers would not have to pay for a new charger and cable every time they buy a new small or medium-sized electronic gadget if they can still use their old ones, according to the draft.

The USB-C charger would be required for all smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers, and handheld gaming consoles under the new rules.

A different charger could only be used for gadgets that are too small for the USB-C, such as smartwatches or fitness equipment.

The law would imply a major change for the tech giant Apple which has insisted on using its own technology and equipping iPhones with special chargers.

According to Maltese EU lawmaker Alex Aigus Saliba, who drafted the proposal, the changes would considerably reduce the 11,000-13,000 tons of e-waste which is produced in the EU every year.

The decision follows up on the legislative proposal presented by the European Commission last September and sets the European Parliament’s position that EU lawmakers will represent at the negotiations with EU member states.

If the bill succeeds, the new rules will go into effect in 2026, giving manufacturers time to adapt to the new criteria.

According to the European Commission’s calculations, the adjustment will save European consumers €250 million ($263 million) every year.

In 2020, the bloc will have sold over 420 million mobile phones and other electronic portable gadgets.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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