The European Union’s bid to adopt a common charging port for mobile phones, tablets and headphones took a step forward, paving the way for an assembly vote next month.
“With half a billion chargers for portable devices shipped in Europe each year, generating 11,000 to 13,000 tonnes of e-waste, a single charger for mobile phones and other small and medium electronic devices would benefit everyone,” said Alex Agius Saliba, the leader of the parliamentary debate.
The committee wants the USB Type-C port to be the standard for mobile phones, tablets, headphones, e-readers, low-powered laptops, keyboards, computer mice, earbuds, smart watches and electronic toys.
An 18-page directive published by the European Commission estimates that the proposal will save EU consumers €250m (£214m) a year, in addition to reducing electronic waste. However, technology giants disagree.
In a September 2021 statement, Apple said: “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.”
Source: E&T
