Highlights - Debate in Plenary: Common charger for mobile radio equipment - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

On 13 January 2020, during the plenary session in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on common charger for mobile radio equipment. For more than 10 years Members have been campaigning for a common charger for mobile radio equipment (mobile phones, tablets, e-book readers, smart cameras, wearable electronics and other medium- or small-sized electronic devices). Despite the Commission’s efforts, voluntary agreements between industry players have not produced satisfactory results.

Almost every household in the EU is believed to have accumulated several old chargers, which according to estimates generates more than 51 000 tons of electronic waste per year. Consumers are obliged to buy new chargers with all new devices. When travelling, they are effectively forced to carry with them different chargers for similar devices. This restricts EU citizens' freedom of movement, full participation in society and causes an unnecessary environmental footprint.