Connect with us

European Parliament

USB-type C to become the EU's common charger in 2024 

SHARE:

Published

4 years ago

on

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Parliament and EU countries have reached an agreement to make USB type-C the common charging standard for small electronic devices by autumn 2024. Find out what this means for you, Society.

Having different chargers for different devices inconveniences consumers and produces tonnes of unnecessary e-waste. To help achieve its environmental objectives and lower costs, the EU wants to introduce one common charger. 84%   Percentage of consumers who experienced problems relating to phone chargers in the previous two years, according to a 2019 study by the European Commission

What will change

The devices included

The legislation covers mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, earbuds and portable navigation devices. Laptops will have to be adapted to the requirements 40 months after the law enters into force.

Adapting to new technologies

To keep up with newer technologies, the Commission can adapt the scope of the directive, particularly when it comes to wireless charging solutions.

No need to buy new device with charger

Under the new law, consumers have the option to buy a new device either with or without a charging device.

Monitoring new technologies

The application of the laws to new charging technologies should be regularly reviewed.

Background

The Parliament has been pushing for a common charger for portable devices for more than 10 years. Although some companies introduced voluntary initiatives that decreased the number of charger types, they were insufficient to meet the EU’s objectives on reducing e-waste. The European Commission presented a proposal on the common charger in September 2021.

Parliament and EU countries reached a provisional agreement on the legislation on 7 June 2022. After the proposal has been formally approved, which is expected to happen after the summer, EU countries will have two years to introduce the rules into national laws. It will not apply to products placed on the market before it comes into force.

Find out more 

Advertisement

Share this article:

Share this:
Related Topics:
EU Reporter publishes articles from a variety of outside sources which express a wide range of viewpoints. The positions taken in these articles are not necessarily those of EU Reporter. Please see EU Reporter’s full Terms and Conditions of publication for more information EU Reporter embraces artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance journalistic quality, efficiency, and accessibility, while maintaining strict human editorial oversight, ethical standards, and transparency in all AI-assisted content. Please see EU Reporter’s full A.I. Policy for more information.
Advertisement

Trending