As of Saturday, December 28, USB-C has become the standard charger for electronic devices at the level of the European Union, according to a regulatory act that entered into force on this day. This means that all devices must have USB Type-C port.
All devices must be equipped with a USB Type-C port. Photo Facebook/CE
The new law, which was adopted by the European Parliament in October 2022, with 602 votes in favor, 13 against and 8 abstentions, aims to reduce the volume of electronic waste. According to her, manufacturers active on the European Union market will be obliged to make the same type of charger for phones, tablets and other electronic devices. The universal charger also comes with fast charging, notes Digi24.
According to one estimate, unused chargers generate 11,000 tons of e-waste every year. Also to reduce the volume of waste, when buying a new phone, Europeans will be able to choose whether or not to receive another charger.
All devices must be equipped with a USB Type-C port
From spring 2026, the obligation to have a standard charger will extend to laptops.
Regardless of their manufacturer, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headsets and headsets, portable video consoles and portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, in-ear headphones and rechargeable laptops with wire, which works with a power supply of up to 100 watts, will have to be equipped with a USB type C port.
Special labels will inform consumers about the charging characteristics of the new devices and allow them to more easily see if their existing chargers are compatible. These new obligations will lead to the reuse of more chargers and will help consumers save up to €250 million per year on unnecessary charger purchases.
