Mandatory unbundling of mobile phone chargers and cables would be the most effective option to fight climate change and protect the environment, according to a European Commission study published on Thursday 26 August. On the other hand, this option would have the greatest negative impact on consumers.
The study points out that four options have been presented, ranging from making all mobile phones compatible with a USB-C connector to creating a label proving the interoperability of phones. Of these options, the one of mandatory unbundling of the sale of cables and chargers from the sale of phones would be the most environmentally effective (ranging from a 3% to 20% reduction in environmental impact).
On the other hand, this option would generate a slight increase in costs for consumers, requiring many to buy a charger and cable. Above all, it could potentially lead to numerous counterfeits or the development of low-quality products.
The authors propose that the Commission wait and see how the markets develop and regulate in due course if unbundling does not progress as planned. Acting prematurely could expose the Commission and the EU to frustration and negative consumer sentiment, it says.
According to the study, the combination of several options could have interesting effects without generating too much economic and social disruption. Proposing to make phones compatible with USB chargers, as well as unbundling the charger from the phone, would be a balanced approach.
The issue of wireless charging systems. In another study published on the same day and dedicated to wireless charging systems, the authors said that the market does not present a risk of fragmentation for smartphones for the time being. On the other hand, a risk of fragmentation could arise for low-power devices. In general, the study notes that this market is still in its infancy and could still evolve significantly.
An initiative in mid-September. The European Commission could present a legislative proposal on chargers in mid-September, according to one source, which would be good news for the European Parliament, which has long been advocating for this (see EUROPE 12748/37). However, no initiative is expected to regulate wireless charging systems.
To consult the study on unbundling of chargers: https://bit.ly/3zpZ39I
To read the report on wireless charging: https://bit.ly/3DvHHuv (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)