EU to Force OEMs to Use a Common USB-C Charger and Ship Phones Without One in the Box

The European Commission has recently issued a press announcement, suggesting that it will now put forward the legislation to establish a common charger.

Under a new rule proposed by European Committee, all electronic manufacturers are now forced to use only USB-C charging ports on their phones, to reduce the waste produced by unused chargers.

However, it seems that Apple will be the most affected since its mobile series iPhone, is known to be using “Lightning” charging ports, that can be charged with their unique chargers.

The tech company says, “We remain concerned that strict regulation mandating just one type of connector stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, which in turn will harm consumers in Europe and around the world.”

Most of the Apple competitors have switched to the USB-C charging ports and even though USB-C charging ports are available on iPads and Macs, this means that Apple might have to switch to USB-C ports for its iPhone users in the European Union member countries.

The European Commissioner for Internal Market says, “I have known these companies for years. Every time we put (forward) a proposal, they start to say ‘oh, it will be against innovation’. No, it’s not against innovation, it’s not against anyone. Like everything the Commission does, it’s for consumers.”. The European Commissioner for Competition says, “European consumers were frustrated long enough about incompatible chargers piling up in their drawers.”.

The new proposed plan is supposed to be implemented on all electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, headphones, gaming consoles, etc. The new changes will bring relief to consumers of these products in the 27 countries present in the EU as an average citizen owns 3 different chargers to fulfill their daily needs. The new rules will also mean that the users present in the EU will be spending €250 million less annually which was else spent on buying chargers suitable for the new technology over the years.

Around 11,000 tons of waste was being generated due to old chargers being disposed of by the users and the EU has been trying to bring changes to this for 10 years in the hopes of making the planet greener. According to a Commission report, in phones that were made in 2018, half of them had a Micro-USB connector, around 29% were having USB-C and 21% had Lightning connectors. Although the EU has been partially successful in cutting the number of different chargers available from 30 to 3 (Micro-USB, USB-C, and Lightning), they are now finally set to end this for once and all.

European Union hopes that the law will be passed from the European Parliament by 2022, and if this happens the member countries will have 2 more years to include the law into their national law. The phone manufacturers will also have 2 months to bring changes to the phones sold in European Union and synchronize their charging ports with the other electronic devices present in the market. The users will now only need 1 charger for all-purpose needs.

Recent Update

The European Commission has recently issued a press announcement, suggesting that it will now put forward the legislation to establish a common charger. The proposal is for a revised Radio Equipment Directive, which will make USB-C the new standard for all smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers, and handheld videogame consoles. This can prove to be much more convenient reduce the effect of disposal of chargers on the environment. Here's the summary for the proposal:

• 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. Combined with the other measures, this would help consumers limit the number of new chargers purchased and help them save €250 million a year on unnecessary charger purchases.

by Anas Siddiqui