To limit electronic waste, the European Union (EU) introduced new regulations regarding chargers earlier this year. Companies are now required to provide a standard charger for all mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. The sources claim that the Indian government is considering implementing similar regulations.
Indian Companies to Offer Charger
The government has scheduled a conference for August 17 with smartphone manufacturers and other business associations to debate the guidelines.
The EU has stated that starting in 2024, any tiny electronic device that can be charged must have a USB Type-C port. Similar regulations are anticipated to be implemented in India for gadgets like smartphones, tablets, laptops, Bluetooth speakers, earphones, and more.
As per the reports, a government official stated that if businesses can operate in Europe and the US, why not in India? There should be a standard charger for portable electronic devices like smartphones and tablets.
The person went on to say that the administration is concerned that such products would be dumped in India once the EU regulations go into effect. Given this, we can anticipate that the Indian government will start enforcing the rules in 2024, concurrently with the EU.
Impact on the Companies
One of the loudest opponents of the EU’s plan for a standard charger was Apple, which even went so far as to say that the initiative would stifle innovation and result in a mound of electronic waste.
Apple’s exclusive Lightning connector is used in various products, including iPhones, AirPods, and more. It is one of the few companies that does not provide a USB Type-C port with all of their gadgets, therefore it will be most affected by the new regulations.
Some laptop manufacturers, like Dell, HP, and Asus, will need to update the charger that comes with their reasonably priced models. Adopting this for their inexpensive laptops shouldn’t be a problem as the majority of these companies’ laptops already feature a USB Type-C port.
Reducing the Electronic Waste
The ministry’s action is in response to the Prime Minister’s announcement of the LiFE (Living for the Environment) idea at the UN Climate Change Conference (CoP 26) held in Glasgow in November of last year. Additionally, India’s amended Nationally Determined Contribution has been approved by the Union Cabinet (NDC).
India has promised to cut its GDP’s emission intensity by 45% by 2030, according to the NDC. The ministry has taken action to reduce electronic waste in light of the nation’s commitment to combating climate change.
About the Letter
Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh stated in a letter to the industry and other stakeholders that it has been noted that users need to acquire a separate charger and cable every time they buy a new device due to the incompatibility of charging ports between old and new gadgets.
According to the letter, consumers not only experience discomfort, but this also increases needless e-consumption. The government wants to consider ways to eliminate the duplication of several charges in each home based on this justification.
Idea of Common Charger
One charger for all smartphones is not a novel concept. The European Union also put up a proposal for it in June. The argument once more focused on the issue of e-waste and the need for users to purchase several chargers. The new regulations won’t take effect until the law is passed, which is anticipated to happen this year, according to reports.
The EU intends to grant phone manufacturers a 24-month grace period after the bill is passed. They should have enough time to make the changeover thanks to this. Manufacturers of laptops will have 40 months to modify their products to the new requirements.
Apple and Type C Charging
The iPhone’s port being changed by Apple is not completely surprising. When Apple first launched the Lightning port in 2015, it took place. Additionally, having a common port for all important goods may provide for a better ecosystem fit as the iPad and MacBook already enable Type-C charging.
For a time now, there have been discussions about Apple switching to Type-C ports for the iPhones. Although it is not anticipated to happen this year, if these regulations are approved, Apple may have to make the change in 2023.
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