Finally, one charger for all electronic devices. This time it has to be the right one. The European Parliament on Tuesday gave its final green light to the obligation to have the same charger for all smartphones, tablets, headphones, earphones, video games, computers and portable speakers. This vote marks the final step in implementing this much-anticipated system.
These new commitments will enable more chargers to be reused and help consumers save up to €250 million a year by not buying extra chargers, according to the European Commission. Discarded or unused chargers account for approximately 11,000 tons of e-waste annually.
Limitation for Apple
The text will enter into force 20 days after publication in the EU Official Journal, and member states will have 12 months to transpose the rules into their national legislation. Its provisions will start to apply to chargers for computer equipment after 24 months, and for laptops – after 40 months. The new rules will not apply to products that were introduced to the market before the application date.
Apple, a long-time resister, has opted for a USB-C port for some of its devices, including iPads and Macs, but not yet for its iPhones and AirPods. The American giant is in danger of having to comply with European rules in order to be able to continue to market its products in the Union.
Source: Le Figaro
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.