Adoption of USB-C chargers would help lessen e-waste in the country.
Stakeholders of the electronics industry have agreed to a phased rollout of uniform chargers for smart electronic devices in the country, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs said on Wednesday. The ministry further stated that a consensus emerged among the stakeholders on the adoption of USB Type-C cable as a common charging port for like phones, laptops, etc.
However, different charging ports may be adopted for devices that lack advanced features, it added. Further, a group will examine the feasibility of uniform chargers for wearable devices like wireless earbuds, smartwatches, etc.
USB Type-C chargers are used mainly by Android-based devices and adoption of the same could hurt Apple the most. Last month, Apple announced that it will be changing its primary cable for the upcoming iPhones to a common USB-type C charging cable. “We have no choice,” the iPhone maker’s Marketing Chief Greg Joswiak said.
Last month, the European Parliament voted in favor of the rule mandating brands to use the USB type-C port as a common charging standard by 2024, giving the companies a timeline of 24 months for the switch. As per the regulation, even previous devices launched with ports like Apple’s Lightning connector will not be officially allowed to be up for purchase in Europe after the deadline.
EU’s move came amid strong demand for the adoption of USB Type-C charging ports as it will lessen the burden on consumers to buy different charging devices every time they buy a new electronic device. In addition to this, a single charger policy will help reduce e-waste. Back home, it will reduce the threat of India becoming a dumping ground of such chargers at a time when several other countries are mulling over adopting a one-charger-for-all-devices policy.
“Industry should overcome inertia in adopting a uniform charging port in the interest of consumer welfare and prevention of avoidable e-waste,” Consumer affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said in the meeting.
The government will further conduct a study to assess the impact of the adoption of uniform charging ports on e-waste, the statement added; without disclosing the names of companies that attended/agreed to the proposal.
