Executive summary sheet

A. Need for action

What is the problem being addressed?

The first problem is the consumer inconvenience caused for consumers by the presence of three different connectors still on the market and the lack of charging interoperability. The second problem is the environmental impact resulting from annual sales of around 300 million portable electronic devices in the EU. The old chargers fall into disuse or are thrown away.

What is this initiative expected to achieve?

The specific objectives are to: 1.promote interoperability by reducing the market fragmentation due to the existence of different connectors; 2.promote interoperability in terms of charging performance; 3.ensure that consumers can make informed choices when buying a new device; 4.allow consumers to choose whether or not to acquire a charger when buying a new device; and 5.extend as much as possible the pool of devices supporting a common charging solution.

What is the value added of action at the EU level?

EU legislation will allow Member States to take enforcing measures when non-compliant products are sold. It will help develop the EU’s (digital) single market and provide legal certainty for manufacturers and consumers. By standardising requirements across the EU, it will establish a level-playing field for manufacturers.

B. Solutions

What policy options have been considered?

Six options have been considered Measures Harmonise end-device connector Support relevant charging protocol on the end-device and Inform consumers about charging performance Make at least unbundled solutions available on market 0 No action No action No action 1 Mandatory No action No action 2 No action Mandatory No action 3 No action Mandatory Mandatory 4 Mandatory Mandatory No action 5 (preferred) Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Sub-option: include other similar portable electronic devices (tablets, digital cameras, headphones, portable speakers and handheld videogame consoles).

Who supports which option?

·Option 0 is supported by equipment manufacturers. ·Option 1, 4 and 5 are increasingly supported by consumers associations and the European Parliament. A majority of Member States are in favour of option 5. ·The broader scope sub-option is supported by Member States, consumer associations and the European Parliament.

C. Impacts of the preferred option

What are the benefits of the preferred option?

Option 5 with a broad scope offers maximum benefits in terms both of consumer convenience and environment.

What are the costs of the preferred option?

The costs of option 5 concern mostly manufacturers that do not (i) use USB Type C interface in their products, (ii) unbundle or (iii) support a common charging protocol. They will have to redesign the charging circuitry of their equipment, but this impact will be mitigated by a transition period.

How will businesses, SMEs and micro-enterprises be affected?

Not relevant, since most producers in the sector are big companies.

Will there be impacts on national budgets and administrations?

No.

Will there be other impacts?

To avoid hampering innovation, it is proposed that the Commission be empowered to update the technical specifications for interoperability, in the light of technical developments, provided that these developments are also respecting the objectives of ensuring full interoperability.

D. Follow up

When will the policy be reviewed?