EU Commission welcomes standards for common mobile phone charger

This is the most recent development to achieving a global common mobile phone charger.

The European Commissions Vice President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entreprenuership said: "I am very happy that the European Standardisation Bodies have met our request to develop within a short space of time the technical standards necessary for a common mobile phone charger based on the work done by industry. Now it is time for industry to show its commitment to sell mobile phones for the new charger. The common charger will make life easier for consumers, reduce waste and benefit businesses. It is a true win-win situation."

Incompatability of mobile phone chargers has not only been an inconvenience to consumers but is also an environmental hazard. As consumers change mobile phones they have to dispose of old chargers, even if they are still in good condition and purchase a charger compatible with the new mobile phone.

The common mobile phone charger is the result of collaboration between a number of mobile phone manufacturers and is expected to be predominant in the market within two years.

As well as interoperability between brands the new charger has taken into account the safety risks and electro-magnetic emissions ensuring the charger has sufficient immunity to external interface.

The first common chargers are expected to be made available in the European market in the first few months of 2011.