The European Commission has launched a public consultation on proposed new rules to harmonise chargers for mobile phones and potentially extending to other consumer devices sold in the EU. The aim is to benefit consumers, limit e-waste and improve safety.
The public consultation seeks views on the following policy options:
- Baseline scenario where producers are not obliged to implement common charging solutions;
- Voluntary approach, such as a Memorandum of Understanding with the industry; or
- Regulatory option requiring mandatory harmonisation.
The harmonised chargers initiative aims to increase safety by lowering prices and increasing quality, reducing the presence of counterfeits and leading to an overall increase in safety.
In addition to mobile phone chargers, the European Commission is also examining whether proposed rules should be extended to chargers for other devices such as tablets, cameras, portable GPS devices, radio controlled toys and any other devices with compatible current requirements. Manufacturers, importers and distributors of consumer devices that use chargers should keep an eye on these developments.
The public consultation will close on 6 August 2019.
For further information and to view the Inception Impact Assessment, see the European Commission’s webpage for the initiative here.
