Madrid, 8 January 2025. From 28 December 2024, most electronic devices (mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headsets, video game consoles, portable speakers, e-books, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and headsets) will have to be sold in the EU with a USB-C charging port. This reduces the number of chargers consumers will need to buy to recharge their devices, while helping to minimise e-waste. However, in the case of laptops, companies will have until 28 April 2026 to comply.
This will increase consumer convenience as the single charger will be able to recharge most electronic devices, irrespective of brand. Consumers will be able to buy new electronic devices without a charger, which - according to the European Commission - will help consumers save an estimated €250 million on unnecessary purchases. Thus, companies should update their packaging to clearly display information on charging characteristics and what is included with each purchase.
Similarly, the reuse of chargers is encouraged, reducing the environmental footprint and the harmonisation of fast charging technology. This is intended to reduce the extraction of raw materials, the CO₂ emissions generated in the manufacturing of chargers and the e-waste generated each year. The new standards will also help ensure that the speed of charging is the same when using any compatible charger for a device.
The EU Common Chargers Directive was adopted in October 2022 and gave manufacturers a transition period to adjust their designs and ensure compliance.
Source of information European Commission.