USB-type C to become EU’s common charger by end of 2024

Electronic devices: Parliament adopts the USB-C charger as standard

Parliament adopted new rules to make USB type-C the common charging standard for small electronic devices by the end of 2024. Find out what this means for you.

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. Parliament formally approved the agreement on 4 October 2022. After it has been formally approved by the council, 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.