EU-instituted universal charger regulations take effect
EU's Single Charger Rule Goes into Full Effect
The European Union's long-awaited single charger rule, which mandates the use of USB-C as a universal charging port for various electronics, is now in effect. Starting today, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, speakers, keyboards, and many other electronics sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port.
This law, first approved in 2022, applies to a wide range of electronic consumer items, including smartphones, laptops, and other devices. The rule will simplify the lives of Europeans and slash costs for consumers, according to the EU Commission.
A decade ago, the European Commission initiated a voluntary agreement with makers of electronic consumer items for a single charging norm, reducing the number of types from dozens. However, some manufacturers, including Apple, the world's biggest seller of smartphones, did not comply with the voluntary agreement and continued using their own proprietary charging ports.
The EU claims that the single charger rule will save at least €200 million ($208 million) per year and cut more than a thousand tonnes of EU electronic waste every year. The rule is expected to reduce consumer fuss in finding the correct chargers and will also help to reduce the mountain of obsolete chargers.
Apple initially stated that such regulation "stifles innovation." However, by September 2022, Apple had begun shipping phones with the new USB Type-C port. Other manufacturers also kept their alternative cables, resulting in about half a dozen types of cables in circulation, causing a jumble for consumers.
The rule gives companies until December 28, 2023, to adapt to the new standard. Makers of laptops will have extra time, from early 2026, to also follow the rule. USB-C ports can charge at up to 100 Watts, transfer data up to 40 gigabits per second, and can serve to hook up to external displays.
The EU Commission's statement on X states that the new rule will lead to better charging technology. By allowing consumers to purchase a new device without a new charger, it will also reduce the mountain of obsolete chargers. The EU Parliament announced this on social media.
The single charger rule is part of the Radio Equipment Directive 2021/0291. For smartphones and other small electronic devices, the rule will apply starting December 28, 2024. For laptops, the requirement will apply by 2026. Therefore, by the end of 2026, all relevant devices in the EU will need to adhere to this standard.
[1] Radio Equipment Directive 2021/0291: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32021L0291
The new USB-C charging port mandate, part of the Radio Equipment Directive 2021/0291, now requires all new smartphones and other gadgets sold in the EU to use this port for charging. By 2026, this rule will extend to laptops as well, ensuring a unified technology across various electronic devices.
To minimize the clutter of obsolete chargers and encourage a more sustainable approach, the EU's Single Charger Rule has imposed this standard on a wide range of consumer electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, speakers, and keyboards.
