Debate: Common charger for mobile radio equipment
Date: MONDAY, 13 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: Maroš Šefčovič
Language: EN

But, first, I would like to underline that the Commission has strongly supported the harmonisation of chargers for mobile phones and similar devices. The common charger campaign was an initiative triggered by the Commission back in 2009 and I have to underline that, thanks to the Commission’s efforts, the industry implemented a voluntary approach. The work has only gained in importance since that moment and, in the light of the urgent transition to the circular economy, a sustainable product policy is a priority initiative in the European Green Deal, which has just been adopted by this Commission. To give you a little bit of the background, I would just like us to remind ourselves that, in 2009, we had more than 30 charging solutions. Currently, we have only three main possibilities. The voluntary approach has therefore been very effective in reducing market fragmentation, enhancing consumer convenience and reducing the environmental impact without resorting to regulation. It should also be noted that electronic waste is still one of the fastest growing waste streams, which makes this type of waste prevention particularly important.  The voluntary agreement came to an end in 2014. Since then, the Commission has made every effort to promote renewed voluntary commitment. However, the last mile has not yet been accomplished. Since 2014 – the same year the voluntary agreement was discontinued – the industry introduced two new technologies for chargers onto the market: USB C and wireless. Fast charging capabilities have been implemented in many models too and, in this context of technological changes, we felt that the voluntary approach, actively supported by the European Commission, was the best way of achieving our policy objectives without hampering innovation. In discussions with the industry, we continuously insist on the need to agree on a solution which would fulfil the following objectives satisfactorily: convenience for consumers, the safety and interoperability of chargers, and the reduction of electronic waste.  Regretfully, the memorandum of understanding of March 2018 fell short of our expectations. The industry proposed continuing to allow for a proprietary solution instead of implementing one common charger possibility. Therefore, consumer convenience and the reduction of e—waste was not enhanced. In addition, the scope was limited to smartphones only, failing to capture other portable devices. Against the global backdrop of ever—increasing material use and resource extraction responsible for half of the total CO2 emissions and environmental pressures, we consider this a missed opportunity. Therefore, the Commission has explored other possible options with a study to be published in the next few days.  One of the options is the adoption of the delegated act under the Radio Equipment Directive. At first glance, regulating the common charging interface on its own would, however, not necessarily be an optimal solution. This would mainly consist in the elimination of proprietary connectors, representing around 20% of the market with limited benefits for consumers. For this option to achieve significant reduction in material use, e—waste and greenhouse gas emissions, it would have to be complemented by additional measures, for instance to mandate and/or incentivise the sale of mobile phones without the charger. Therefore, we will look at a combination of policy options, including regulatory and non-regulatory measures, in order to achieve our objectives.  The study also assesses whether it is possible to extend the scope beyond smartphones and thus enhance benefits to both the consumer and the environment, taking into account technical issues such as different power needs. In addition, innovation and interoperability are key elements of any solution. Therefore, any better-performing new charging solution would be welcome as long as it is a common charging solution. Along the same lines, interoperability of wireless technology for charging would have to be ensured, even if this is still an incipient technology. Consumers should definitely be given a central role, in particular if manufacturers are only allowed to sell mobile phones without the charger, which seems to be a promising option from the environmental point of view. This would entail large consumer awareness campaigns and consumers should benefit from any reduction in costs being passed on through lower prices for standalone devices. In the European Green Deal we have committed to support and accelerate the EU’s industry transition to a sustainable model of inclusive growth. We have committed ourselves to mobilise industry for a clean and circular economy, including for a sustainable products policy and durable design of products, also giving priority to reducing and re—using materials before recycling them.  The Commission is therefore committed to present the next steps to make common chargers a reality for all EU citizens, and we will keep you closely informed.