Directive (EU) 2022/2380

What it is

to revise the Radio Equipment Directive with a view to proposing a universal charger for mobile phones and similar electronic devices. PROPOSED ACT: Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the European Parliament decides in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure and on an equal footing with the Council. BACKGROUND: since 2009, there have been EU-wide efforts to limit the fragmentation of charging interfaces for mobile phones and similar items of radio equipment. Recent voluntary initiatives do not fully meet the EU’s policy objectives to reduce e-waste, ensure consumer convenience and avoid market fragmentation of charging devices . The European Parliament adopted by 602 votes to 13, with 8 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2014/53/EU on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment. The European Parliament's position adopted at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure amends the Commission's proposal as follows: The Directive provides that new mobile devices on the EU market must be equipped with a USB-type C charging receptacle by the end of 2024. This requirement should apply to all portable mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld video game consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, computer mice, portable navigation systems, earbuds with a power delivery of 100 watts or less. Within 40 months of the entry into force of the text, i.e. by 2026, this obligation should be extended to laptops . As wireless charging becomes more widespread, the European Commission will have to harmonise interoperability requirements by the end of 2024 to avoid negative consequences for consumers and the environment. The Commission will have to request, no later than 24 months after the date of entry into force of the directive, one or more European standardisation organisations to develop harmonised standards setting out technical specifications for charging interface(s) and charging communication protocol(s) for radio equipment that can be charged by means other than wired charging. The Directive introduces requirements to ensure that consumers or end-users are not obliged to buy a new charger when purchasing a new mobile phone or similar radio equipment. Economic operators should ensure that information on whether or not a charging device is included with the radio equipment is displayed in graphic form using a user-friendly and easily accessible pictogram , when such radio equipment is made available to consumers and other end-users. The Directive ensures that devices that ensure fast charging will now have the same communication protocol for charging. This will help to ensure that the charging speed is the same regardless of the compatible charger used with an appliance. In order for buyers to make an informed decision on whether or not to purchase a new charger with their new product, dedicated labels should inform consumers about the charging characteristics…

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