The European legislature from 2019 to 2024 is entering its final stretch, having completed a period marked by notable advances and new rules that impact consumers. Since introducing a unified charging standard, fresh requirements for batteries and cells, and improved product sustainability, shoppers now benefit from clearer signals and longer lasting devices. The following points illustrate the progress and its implications.
1. A single charger
The push for a universal charger began when the European Parliament called for a single charging port for all mobile phones sold in the EU in 2014. This move aimed to reduce cable clutter and simplify everyday life. With regulatory approval, a universal charging standard will become practical within a short timeframe. By autumn 2024, regulations were approved to benefit consumers and reduce waste. The rule envisions a common USB Type-C port as the loading interface for most small and medium portable devices, allowing users to reuse chargers across many products instead of purchasing new ones with every device refresh.
2. Longer lasting batteries and cells
New rules now govern the life cycle of batteries and cells from production to disposal, including reuse and recycling. The aim is to boost sustainability and strengthen the circular economy. The measure received approval from the European Parliament in June and from the Council in July, establishing strict collection and recovery targets for materials such as lithium, cobalt, copper, lead, and nickel used in these products. The goal is to energize the recycling sector and reduce the environmental footprint of energy storage components.
3. Combat against greenwashing
Another key step centers on curbing misleading labels and vague environmental claims. The legislation seeks to improve consumer rights and transparency by banning generic phrases like eco-friendly, natural, biodegradable, climate-neutral, or eco unless marketers can substantiate these statements with verified evidence. A political agreement was reached in September, and once transposed into binding regulations, the rules will restrict the use of vague eco-claims and require clear substantiation. The framework also addresses premature wear and tear, encouraging more durable product performance and accurate environmental messaging.
4. More sustainable products
Beyond tightening labeling practices, Brussels advanced an initiative in March 2022 to refresh the eco-design framework. The objective is to extend product lifespans and ease repair, ensuring that items beyond food, medicine, and living organisms are more durable and easier to repair or recycle. Specifics include guaranteed availability of software updates, consumables like ink cartridges, spare parts, and accessories for a meaningful period. The broader scope examines diverse product groups and explores potential prohibitions where appropriate. Interinstitutional negotiations aimed to reach a comprehensive agreement by late summer, reflecting a commitment to a more sustainable product landscape across the EU.