Ten major mobile phone producers have voluntarily agreed to create a common charger. They are Apple, Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, NEC, Research in Motion, Samsung and LG.
Harbour said: “The days of drawers full of useless old mobile phone chargers will soon be over. Common sense has prevailed.
“This is a simple agreement that will have an extremely positive impact on users’ lives. We will no longer have to worry about forgetting our chargers and having to ask around to find one that is compatible.
“This agreement will also encourage more chargers to be recycled, preventing electronic waste. Mobile phone companies should consider whether a new charger is now needed with every handset if there is a possibility that an old one can be recycled.
“It is particularly welcome that the Commission was able to reach agreement with the industry, without introducing new regulation.”