As of yesterday, 28th December 2024, EU-wide rules came into effect standardising the charging ports for mobile phones and other portable electronic devices, meaning that henceforth all new devices sold in the EU must support USB-C charging.
This will hopefully reduce the number of chargers consumers need to buy, help minimise electronic waste and simplify everyday life.
Some benefits of the common charger are as follows:
- Increasing consumer convenience: Users can charge their mobile phones and other similar electronic devices with one USB-C charger, regardless of the device brand.
- Reducing e-waste: Discarded and unused chargers account for about 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually within the European Union. The new rules encourage reusing chargers, thus helping to reduce the environmental footprint.
- Saving money: Consumers will now be able to buy new electronic devices without a charger, helping them save approximately €250 million a year on unnecessary charger purchases.
- Harmonising fast charging technology: New rules help to ensure that charging speed is the same when using any compatible charger for a device.
The EU’s Common Charger Directive was approved by the Council of the EU in October 2022. Manufacturers were given a transition period to adjust their designs and ensure compliance. From 28 December 2024, the rules apply to mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, video game consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and earbuds sold in the European Union. The new rules will also apply to laptops with effect from 28th April 2026.