A single charger will have to be compatible with all mobile phones after a vote in the European Parliament.
MEPs want to ban the plethora of chargers for sale to cut down on electronic ‘clutter’.
It would end the hassle of having to buy a separate charger when swapping phones or having to hunt for the right charger when a phone battery goes flat and you are nowhere near home.
But the move could also create headaches for manufacturers, as the rule could be enforced as early as 2017.
The European Union voted for it yesterday as part of a radio equipment directive, which was pushed by German MEP and socialist, Barbara Weiler.
She added, ‘I am especially pleased that we agreed on the introduction of a common charger. This serves the interests both of consumers and the environment. It will put an end to charger clutter and 51,000 tonnes of electronic waste annually.’
But critics warned the single charger rule would lead to red tape for business and could trigger higher charges for consumers.
Paul Nuttall, Ukip’s deputy leader, said: ‘This is a backwards step because imposing a single charger stifles innovation, curbs research, and may impose extra costs on the consumer. The alternative and better action is to encourage diversity, competition and greater development… see more
source: Dailymail UK
Tags: Charger, EU, Mobile, phones, technology
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