Blog.
Universal charger becomes mandatory in the EU from 2024..
USB Type-C is the chosen charging standard
The obligation will apply to portable devices needing a charger up to 100W
According to Apple, the move will severely damage innovation
By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port, and from spring 2026, laptops will also have to be covered. This was finally decided today by the European Parliament (EP).
The new law, adopted in plenary on Tuesday with 602 votes in favour, 13 against and 8 abstentions, is part of a broader EU effort to reduce e-waste and empower consumers to make more sustainable choices.
Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charger every time they buy a new device, as they will be able to use a single charger for the entire range of small and medium-sized portable electronic devices.
Regardless of their manufacturer, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, portable consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and laptops that can be charged via a cable and operate at up to 100W will need to be equipped with a USB Type-C port.
All devices that support fast charging will now have the same charging speed, allowing users to charge their devices with any compatible charger.
Promoting technological innovation
As wireless charging becomes more widespread, the European Commission will need to harmonise interoperability requirements by the end of 2024 to avoid negative impacts on consumers and the environment. This will also eliminate the so-called technology lock-in effect where the consumer becomes dependent on a single manufacturer.
Better information and choice for consumers
Special labels will inform users about the charging characteristics of the new devices, making it easier for them to see if their existing chargers are compatible. Buyers will also be able to make an informed choice about whether to purchase a charger with their new product.
Ecological effect
These new obligations will increase the reuse of chargers and help consumers save up to €250 million a year from unnecessary charger purchases. Discarded and unused chargers represent around 11 000 tonnes of e-waste per year in the EU.
"The common charger will finally become a reality in Europe. We have been waiting for these rules for more than ten years, but we can finally leave the current plethora of chargers in the past. This forward-looking law enables the development of innovative charging solutions in the future and will benefit everyone, from frustrated consumers to our vulnerable environment. These are difficult times for politics, but we have shown that the EU has not run out of ideas or solutions to improve the lives of millions of people in Europe and inspire other parts of the world to follow suit," said Alex Saliba, the EP rapporteur on the subject.
The next steps
The European Council will have to formally approve the directive before it can be published in the EU's Official Journal. It will enter into force 20 days after publication. Member states will then have 12 months to transpose the rules and 12 months after the end of the transposition period to implement them. The new rules will not apply to products placed on the market before the implementation date.
More on this topic - European universal charger standard: when will it work, which device categories does it cover?Universal charger becomes mandatory in the EU from 2024..
Introduction.
USB Type-C is the chosen charging standard
The obligation will apply to portable devices needing a charger up to 100W
According to Apple, the move will severely damage innovation
By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port, and from spring 2026, laptops will also have to be covered. This was finally decided today by the European Parliament (EP).
The new law, adopted in plenary on Tuesday with 602 votes in favour, 13 against and 8 abstentions, is part of a broader EU effort to reduce e-waste and empower consumers to make more sustainable choices.
Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charger every time they buy a new device, as they will be able to use a single charger for the entire range of small and medium-sized portable electronic devices.
Regardless of their manufacturer, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, portable consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and laptops that can be charged via a cable and operate at up to 100W will need to be equipped with a USB Type-C port.
All devices that support fast charging will now have the same charging speed, allowing users to charge their devices with any compatible charger.
Promoting technological innovation
As wireless charging becomes more widespread, the European Commission will need to harmonise interoperability requirements by the end of 2024 to avoid negative impacts on consumers and the environment. This will also eliminate the so-called technology lock-in effect where the consumer becomes dependent on a single manufacturer.
Better information and choice for consumers
Special labels will inform users about the charging characteristics of the new devices, making it easier for them to see if their existing chargers are compatible. Buyers will also be able to make an informed choice about whether to purchase a charger with their new product.
Ecological effect
These new obligations will increase the reuse of chargers and help consumers save up to €250 million a year from unnecessary charger purchases. Discarded and unused chargers represent around 11 000 tonnes of e-waste per year in the EU.
"The common charger will finally become a reality in Europe. We have been waiting for these rules for more than ten years, but we can finally leave the current plethora of chargers in the past. This forward-looking law enables the development of innovative charging solutions in the future and will benefit everyone, from frustrated consumers to our vulnerable environment. These are difficult times for politics, but we have shown that the EU has not run out of ideas or solutions to improve the lives of millions of people in Europe and inspire other parts of the world to follow suit," said Alex Saliba, the EP rapporteur on the subject.
The next steps
The European Council will have to formally approve the directive before it can be published in the EU's Official Journal. It will enter into force 20 days after publication. Member states will then have 12 months to transpose the rules and 12 months after the end of the transposition period to implement them. The new rules will not apply to products placed on the market before the implementation date.
More on this topic - European universal charger standard: when will it work, which device categories does it cover?
