Mobile phones in Europe will in future all use the same standard charger. The European Parliament has approved an amendment to the European Union’s radio equipment law which forces manufacturers to adapt their devices to a single European charger.
Although the measure still awaits higher approval from the EU council, German MEP Barbara Weiler has admitted she is satisfied with the outcome of the voting.
“I am especially pleased that we agreed on the introduction of a common charger. This serves the interests both of consumers and the environment. It will put an end to charger clutter and 51,000 tons of electronic waste per year,” Weiler said.
But it will take years for the measure to come into force.
After its formal approval by the EU council, state members will have two years to implement the directive into their national laws. Then, companies will still have an extra year to begin abiding by the new law, which means the earliest the rule will be enforced is 2017.
