EU's New Rule Mandates Universal USB-C Chargers for All New Electronic Devices

AFP | Brussels, Belgium

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Starting December 28, 2024, a landmark change in European Union regulations came into force, requiring all new smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, speakers, keyboards, and many other electronic devices sold in the EU to be equipped with a USB-C charging port. The move aims to simplify consumer life by standardizing charging solutions and reducing both costs and electronic waste across the 27-nation bloc.

The European Union Parliament announced the new requirement on social media, stating: "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 new rule is expected to provide significant benefits to consumers. By eliminating the need for separate chargers for different devices, it allows Europeans to buy new electronics without needing to invest in additional charging accessories. This, in turn, will also contribute to reducing the growing environmental burden caused by obsolete and unused chargers.

The legislation, first approved in 2022, follows years of deliberation, particularly with US tech giant Apple, which was initially opposed to the law. While most devices already use USB-C cables, Apple had previously resisted adopting the standard, arguing that the regulation would stifle innovation. However, by September 2023, Apple had started shipping phones with USB-C ports, marking a shift in its stance.

Under the new law, manufacturers of laptops will have until early 2026 to adopt the USB-C standard. The EU's initiative had originally started with a voluntary agreement between device makers and the European Commission, which sought to reduce the number of different charging cables in use. Despite this, Apple continued to use its proprietary Lightning ports, while other companies maintained their own charging solutions, leading to a mishmash of cables and confusion for consumers.

The USB-C port offers enhanced capabilities, including the ability to charge devices at up to 100 watts, transfer data at speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second, and connect to external displays.

When the legislation was initially approved, the European Commission projected that the new law would save consumers at least 200 million euros annually and eliminate more than 1,000 tonnes of electronic waste each year. In a post on social media, the European Commission celebrated the milestone: "It’s time for THE charger. It means better-charging technology, reduced e-waste, and less fuss to find the chargers you need."

With this regulation now in effect, the EU has set a new global standard for charging technology, benefiting both consumers and the environment.