Government proposal on common charger for electronic devices sent out for comments, aim is to make charging easier

The Ministry of Transport and Communications invites comments on the government proposal for amending the Act on Electronic Communication Services. The proposal would implement the amendments to the Radio Equipment Directive harmonising the charging of mobile phones and tablets, for example. The deadline for submitting comments is 29 September 2023.

The proposal would implement the amendments to the Radio Equipment Directive adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on 23 November 2022. The proposal would harmonise the charging interfaces and charging communication protocols of certain radio equipment categories.

In practice, by the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU must have a USB Type-C charging receptacle. From spring 2026 onwards, the requirement will also apply to laptops. These changes mean that consumers could use the same charger for several different devices.

According to the government proposal, equipment manufacturers would be required to provide end-users with the possibility to purchase radio equipment in line with the Directive without having to purchase a charging device. The aim of the requirements is to reduce electronic waste.

Equipment manufacturers should ensure that when end-users purchase radio equipment they receive the necessary information on the charging characteristics and on the charging device compatible with the equipment. In addition, some technical amendments would be made to the Act.

The aim of the government proposal would be to improve consumer convenience by making device charging easier. It would also aim to reduce electronic waste generated by chargers. The goal is to prevent fragmentation of the market for charging interfaces and charging communication protocols.

Next steps

The deadline for submitting opinions is 29 September 2023. All organisations and private individuals may submit comments online at www.lausuntopalvelu.fi. Following the consultation round, public officials will continue the preparation of the legislative amendment.

The Act is scheduled to enter into force on 28 December 2024.

Inquiries

Fanni Thessler, Senior Officer, fanni.thessler(at)gov.fi, tel. +358 295 342 267

Sissi Kohtala, Senior Specialist, sissi.kohtala(at)gov.fi, tel. +358 295 342 208