THE COMMON CHARGER FOR ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES IS COMING!

On 23 of September 2021, the European Commission took an important decision against e-waste and consumer inconvenience, due to incompatible chargers for electronic devices. The Commission has proposed legislation to constitute a common charging solution for all relevant devices.

The proposal includes:

  • A harmonised charging port for electronic devices: USB-C will be the common port. This will allow consumers to charge their devices with the same USB-C charger, regardless of the device brand.
  • Harmonised fast charging technology will help prevent that different producers unjustifiably limit the charging speed and will help to ensure that charging speed is the same when using any compatible charger for a device.
  • Unbundling the sale of a charger from the sale of the electronic device: consumers will be able to purchase a new electronic device without a new charger. This will limit the number of unwanted chargers purchased or left unused. Reducing production and disposal of new chargers is estimated to reduce the amount of electronic waste by almost a thousand tonnes' yearly
  • Improved information for consumers: producers will need to provide relevant information about charging performance, including information on the power required by the device and if it supports fast charging. This will make it easier for consumers to see if their existing chargers meet the requirements of their new device or help them to select a compatible charger.

For the Next Steps, the proposal needs to be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council by ordinary legislative procedure. A transition period of 24 months from the date of adoption will give the industry sufficient time to adapt before the entry into application.

You can find the press release here.

                                              Kind regards,

Zumbul Attorneys-at-Law

info@zumbul.av.tr