Directive (EU) 2022/2380 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

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Series Details L 315, Pages 30-43
Publication Date 07/12/2022
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Summary:

Directive (EU) 2022/2380 - formally adopted by the co-legislators on 23 November 2022 - introducing amendments to Directive 2014/53/EU concerning the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States of the European Union (EU) relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment. This is a text with EEA relevance.

Further information:

This Directive seeks to prevent the fragmentation of the market. It harmonises the charging interface for mobile phones and similar categories or classes of radio equipment that are recharged via a wired charging. It guarantees that such devices, where they support fast charging, incorporate at least the same charging communication protocol. It allows for future harmonisation in this area in response to technological developments. It introduces requirements so that end-users are not obliged to purchase a new charging device whenever they purchase a new mobile phone or similar item of radio equipment. It introduces requirements so that end-users receive the necessary information on its charging performance characteristics and the charging device that can be used with it.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in 2009 by major producers of mobile telephones on harmonising chargers for data-enabled mobile phones sold in the EU. It led to a reduction in market fragmentation and attracted almost global alignment. Its implementation led to an effective reduction in the number of charging solutions for mobiles charges from 30 to 3. However, the MoU allowed for the use of proprietary charging interfaces, and one such solution continued to be used by a major mobile phone manufacturer, thus preventing full interoperability. In addition, the MoU never addressed the environmental issues arising from the continued existence of those different charging interfaces and charging communication protocols.

Ever since the MoU expired in 2014 - after two letters of renewal - the Commission sought to encourage the adoption of a new voluntary agreement. Following several rounds of discussion, the industry proposed a new MoU in March 2018 on a future common charging solution for smartphones. However, the Commission did not consider this new MoU to be satisfactory and not in line with the EU's harmonisation objectives. Instead, it launched an impact assessment study for a potential proposal aimed at implementing a common solution for charging mobile phones (and possibly other similar categories or classes of radio equipment). In 2020, two complementary studies were launched. In the same year, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on a common charger for mobile radio equipment.

The Commission's adjusted 2020 work programme signalled a new proposal on these matters. The design of radio equipment falls within the scope of Directive 2014/53/EU - also known as Radio Equipment Directive - relating to the harmonisation of laws across Member States on the availability on the market of radio equipment. On the other hand, the characteristics of the external power supply are falling within the scope of the Directive 2009/125/EC.

A draft law was eventually adopted by the European Commission on 23 September 2021. The Council of the European Union adopted a general approach concerning this file on 26 January 2022. The plenary of the European Parliament adopted its negotiating position on 4 May. An informal agreement between the co-legislators on a compromise text for this file was reached on 7 June. This was formally endorsed by the Parliament on 4 October and by the Council on 24 October. The Act was signed by the co-legislators on 23 November 2022 and published in the Official Journal on 7 December 2022.

Related Links
Commentary and Analysis
Politico, 23/09/2021: How the EU wants to force Apple to adopt common charger https://www.politico.eu/article/force-apple-adopt-common-charger-how-the-eu/
New Scientist: Analysis, 24/09/2021: USB-C chargers: Will EU law cut down on e-waste or just anger Apple? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2291448-usb-c-chargers-will-eu-law-cut-down-on-e-waste-or-just-anger-apple/
EPRS: Briefing, February 2022: Common chargers – Revision of the Radio Equipment Directive - Initial Appraisal of a European Commission Impact Assessment https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_BRI(2022)699480
Times of Malta, 24/04/2022: Why MEPs believe a common charger in the EU is needed https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/why-meps-believe-a-common-charger-in-the-eu-is-needed-a2.949927
The Spectator (UK): Opinion, 07/06/2022: The EU’s phone charger rule will stifle innovation https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-eu-is-quietly-stifling-innovation
EPRS: Briefing, July 2022: A common charger for electronic devices: Revision of the Radio Equipment Directive https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_BRI(2021)698819
EPRS: At a Glance, September 2022: A common charger for electronic devices: Revision of the Radio Equipment Directive https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_ATA(2022)733659
HKTDC Research: Regulatory Alerts, 14/10/2022: European Parliament Formally Approves Text to Make USB Type-C the Common Charger for Wide Range of Consumer Electronics https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MTE5NDQxNDMwNw

News
The Guardian, 23/09/2021: Apple opposes EU plans to make common charger port for all devices https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/23/apple-opposes-eu-plans-to-make-common-charger-port-for-all-devices
TechCrunch, 23/09/2021: Europe will finally legislate for a common charger for mobiles https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/23/europe-will-finally-legislate-for-a-common-charger-for-mobiles/
BBC News, 23/09/2021: EU rules to force USB-C chargers for all phones https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-58665809
The New York Times, 23/09/2021: In a setback for Apple, the European Union seeks a common charger for all phones. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/23/business/european-union-apple-charging-port.html
Deutsche Welle, 23/09/2021: EU proposes universal charging plug for all smartphones https://p.dw.com/p/40k9S
France24, 23/09/2021: EU to impose universal phone charger, setting up clash with Apple https://www.france24.com/en/technology/20210923-eu-to-impose-universal-phone-charger-setting-up-clash-with-apple
EurActiv, 23/09/2021: Commission proposes common charger for electronic devices in two years https://www.euractiv.com/section/digital/news/commission-proposes-common-charger-for-electronic-devices-in-two-years/
Euronews, 23/09/2021: Apple against Brussels' bid to have one charger for all smartphones https://www.euronews.com/2021/09/23/apple-against-brussels-bid-to-have-one-charger-for-all-smartphones
The Verge, 23/09/2021: EU proposes mandatory USB-C on all devices, including iPhones https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/23/22626723/eu-commission-universal-charger-usb-c-micro-lightning-connector-smartphones
Forbes, 23/09/2021: EU Proposes Universal Charger — A Blow To Apple https://www.forbes.com/sites/teakvetenadze/2021/09/23/eu-proposes-universal-charger-a-blow-to-apple/?sh=75172f8838dc
Reuters, 23/09/2021: EU plans one mobile charging port for all, in setback for Apple https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/eu-plans-one-mobile-charging-port-all-setback-apple-2021-09-23/
RTÉ News, 23/09/2021: EU plans universal mobile charging port in setback for Apple https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2021/0923/1248565-universal-charger/
Associated Press, 23/09/2021: One to charge them all: EU demands single plug for phones https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-technology-europe-business-smartphones-6c5089a53e67e5f4236294e872005e00
Bloomberg, 23/09/2021: iPhones May Need Redesign as EU Pushes for Common Charger https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-23/iphones-may-need-redesign-as-eu-pushes-for-common-charger
EUObserver, 24/09/2021: EU unveils common charger plan - forcing Apple redesign https://euobserver.com/news/153014
EurActiv, 02/12/2021: MEPs push for broader scope on common charger proposal https://www.euractiv.com/section/digital/news/meps-push-for-broader-scope-on-common-charger-proposal/
Reuters, 15/02/2022: EU deal on single mobile charging port by year end is possible, lawmaker says https://www.reuters.com/technology/eu-deal-single-mobile-charging-port-by-year-end-is-possible-lawmaker-says-2022-02-15/
TechCrunch, 20/04/2022: MEPs vote to expand scope of common charger rules https://techcrunch.com/2022/04/20/eu-common-charger-rules/
EurActiv, 20/04/2022: EU lawmakers adopt proposal for extending common charger to laptops, wearables in key committee vote https://www.euractiv.com/section/digital/news/eu-lawmakers-adopt-proposal-for-extending-common-charger-to-laptops-wearables-in-key-committee-vote/
Euronews, 21/04/2022: Europe moves one step closer to a worldwide phone, tablet and laptop charger in knock to Apple https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/04/21/europe-moves-one-step-closer-to-a-worldwide-phone-tablet-and-laptop-charger-in-knock-to-ap
Politico, 07/06/2022: EU backs common charger for mobile devices by 2024 https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-agrees-usb-c-to-become-common-charger-for-mobile-devices-by-2024/
Bloomberg, 07/06/2022: Apple Products Set to Use Common Charging Point After EU Deal https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-07/eu-agrees-to-force-apple-phones-tablets-to-use-common-charger#xj4y7vzkg
The Guardian, 07/06/2022: EU deal will force iPhones to use USB-C charger by 2024 https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/jun/07/all-smartphones-to-use-usb-c-charging-ports-from-autumn-2024-says-eu
TechCrunch, 07/06/2022: Europe seals deal on USB Type-C common charger rules https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/07/eu-common-charger-usb-c/
Euronews, 07/06/2022: EU agrees all mobile phones and tablets must have a common USB-C charger in blow to Apple https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/06/07/eu-agrees-all-mobile-phones-tablets-must-have-the-same-charging-port-in-world-first
Times of Malta, 07/06/2022: EU backs common charger for phones and other devices by mid-2024 https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/eu-backs-common-charger-for-phones-and-other-devices-by-mid-2024.960212
Euronews, 04/10/2022: EU-wide common charger for mobile devices to become a reality in 2024 https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/10/04/eu-wide-common-charger-for-mobile-devices-to-become-a-reality-in-2024
BBC News, 04/10/2022: EU Parliament approves common charging cable from 2024 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-63132831
France24, 04/10/2022: EU mandates universal charger for tablets, mobile phones in blow to Apple https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20221004-apple-forced-to-adapt-as-eu-passes-phone-charger-reforms
The Guardian, 04/10/2022: EU votes to force all phones to use same charger by 2024 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/04/eu-votes-to-force-all-phones-to-use-same-charger-by-2024
EUObserver, 04/10/2022: EU adopts common charger law, forces iPhone redesign https://euobserver.com/health-and-society/156206
Deutsche Welle, 04/10/2022: EU mandates single charger for mobile devices https://p.dw.com/p/4HjJw
RTÉ News, 04/10/2022: EU parliament approves move for common phone, tablet charger https://www.rte.ie/news/2022/1004/1327045-eu-common-charger/
Reuters, 04/10/2022: Apple forced to change charger in Europe as EU approves overhaul https://www.reuters.com/technology/eu-parliament-adopts-rules-common-charger-electronic-devices-2022-10-04/
The Local, 04/10/2022: ‘A great day for consumers in Europe’: EU votes for single smartphone charger https://www.thelocal.com/20221004/a-great-day-for-consumers-in-europe-eu-votes-for-single-smartphone-charger/
Le Monde, 04/10/2022: European Parliament adopts universal charger requirement for electronic devices as of 2024 https://www.lemonde.fr/en/pixels/article/2022/10/04/european-parliament-adopts-universal-charger-requirement-for-electronic-devices-as-of-2024_5999107_13.html
Politico, 24/10/2022: EU countries give green light for common charger by fall 2024 https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-states-give-green-light-for-common-charger-by-fall-2024/

Official
EUR-LEX: COM(2021)547: Proposal for a Directive 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 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=COM:2021:547:FIN
EUR-LEX: SWD(2021)244: Staff Working Document accompanying the Proposal - Subsidiarity Grid https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=SWD:2021:244:FIN
EUR-LEX: SWD(2021)245: Staff Working Document accompanying the Proposal - Impact Assessment Report https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=SWD:2021:245:FIN
EUR-LEX: SWD(2021)246: Staff Working Document accompanying the Proposal - Executive Summary of the Impact Assessment Report https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=SWD:2021:246:FIN
European Parliament: Legislative Observatory: Procedure File for Proposal on Radio equipment: harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market (2021/0291(COD)) https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/0291(COD)
European Parliament: Legislative Train Schedule: Common charges for mobile phones and similar devices https://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-a-europe-fit-for-the-digital-age/file-common-chargers-for-mobile-phones
European Commission: DG Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs: Sectors: Radio Equipment Directive: One common charging solution for all https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/electrical-and-electronic-engineering-industries-eei/radio-equipment-directive-red/one-common-charging-solution-all_en
European Commission: Press Release, 23/09/2021: Pulling the plug on consumer frustration and e-waste: Commission proposes a common charger for electronic devices https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_21_4613
European Commission: Commission proposes a common charging solution for electronic devices – Questions and Answers (23 September 2021) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/QANDA_21_4614
Council of the European Union: Press Release, 26/01/2022: Council adopts position on a common charger for electronic devices https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/01/26/council-approves-a-common-charger-for-electronic-devices/
European Parliament: Headlines, 20/04/2022: EU closer to introducing a common charger https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20220413STO27211/
European Parliament: Press Release, 20/04/2022: Common charger: MEPs agree on proposal to reduce electronic waste https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20220412IPR27115/
EPP EP Group: Newsroom, 20/04/2022: Get rid of useless chargers https://www.eppgroup.eu/newsroom/news/get-rid-of-useless-chargers
European Parliament: Press Release, 04/05/2022: Common charger: Parliament commits to reducing electronic waste https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20220429IPR28224/
European Parliament: Press Release, 07/06/2022: Deal on common charger: reducing hassle for consumers and curbing e-waste https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20220603IPR32196/
European Commission: Press Release, 07/06/2022: Commission welcomes political agreement on a common charger in the EU https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_3524
Council of the European Union: Press Release, 07/06/2022: Common charger: Council and European Parliament reach a provisional political agreement https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/06/07/chargeur-universel-le-conseil-et-le-parlement-europeen-parviennent-a-un-accord-politique-provisoire/
G/EFA EP Group: Press Release, 07/06/2022: Agreement on a common charger reached https://www.greens-efa.eu/en/article/press/agreement-on-a-common-charger-reached
S&D EP Group: Newsroom, 07/06/2022: Consumers win with the S&Ds: a common charger for mobile devices is a reality https://www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu/newsroom/consumers-win-sds-common-charger-mobile-devices-reality
Renew Europe EP Group: Events, 30/08/2022: The Common Charger: Improving Consumers' Lives and Reducing e-Waste https://www.reneweuropegroup.eu/events/2022-08-30/the-common-charger-improving-consumers-lives-and-reducing-e-waste
European Parliament, 04/10/2022: Long-awaited common charger for mobile devices will be a reality in 2024 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20220930IPR41928/
Council of the European Union: Press Release, 24/10/2022: Common charger: EU ministers give final approval to one-size-fits-all charging port https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/10/24/common-charger-eu-ministers-give-final-approval-to-one-size-fits-all-charging-port/

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