Harmonisation of mobile phone chargers
Incompatibility of mobile phone chargers is an inconvenience for users and a major environmental problem.
This unnecessary generation of electronic waste will be a thing of the past. Major producers of mobile phones have agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") to harmonise chargers for data-enabled mobile phones sold in the EU. Industry commits to provide chargers compatibility on the basis of the Micro-USB connector. Once the commitment becomes effective, it will be possible to charge data-enabled mobile phones from any charger compatible with the common specifications.
The MoU covers data-enabled mobile phones. The MoU excludes mobile phones which do not support USB data exchange and also certain unusual formats of phone, for example phones worn as wristwatches.
A common specification will allow for full compatibility and safety of chargers and mobile phones.
It is expected that the first generation of new inter-chargeable mobile phones will reach the EU market from 2010 onwards. The Commission will closely work with industry in order to facilitate an implementation of the agreement on the market as soon as possible. The following 10 companies have signed the MoU: Apple, LG, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Qualcomm, Research In Motion, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Texas Instruments.
The MoU covers the territory of the EU. However, as the market for mobile phones is essentially global, the MoU should be seen as a good model for other geographical markets.
