Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) Smartphones and tablets, including the Apple iPhone and iPad, would have to use a USB-C charger from 2024, while laptop manufacturers would have until 2026 to make the change.
There were 602 votes in favor and 13 against, with eight abstaining. Member states are expected to grant approval on 24 October, before the rule is signed into law at the parliament. Following a provisional agreement by the European Union, in June 2022, members of the parliament told Brussels Morning that the EU will manage to extend the list of devices that will be able to be charged with the same charger.
Marcel Kolaja MEP stated that he is pleased that the European Parliament managed to extend the list of devices that will be able to be charged with the same charger.
“Not only will this greatly simplify the everyday life of consumers, but also, for example, traveling. Nobody wants to carry five different chargers with them. In addition, this will help to protect the environment, since discarded chargers account for 11,000 tons of e-waste a year in the European Union. Further, today’s vote obliges the European Commission to continuously assess the possibility of including other product categories. The directive will be revised for the first time three years after its entry into force and then every five years, taking into account technological progress, consumer convenience, and the environment.” said the MEP.
