[German]The common European standard for charging cables for mobile devices, which is based on the USB-C interface, has been decided and can now come. Following the overwhelming approval of the European Parliament on October 4, 2022, the Council of EU member states gave its consent on October 24, 2022. New devices in the EU will have to be equipped with this interface by 2026 at the latest, but the standard will already apply from 2024.
Advertising
I had reported in the blog post EU Parliament votes for USB-C as a standard charging cable about the decision of the EU Parliament. This had voted on October 4, 2022 with an overwhelming majority that the USB-C interface will be introduced as a common charging port for a wide range of electronic devices.
USB-C interface smartphone, source: Own photo
Has been a very long road that started over a decade ago. In the following tweet, the EU Concile notifies about the decision, that the final approval for the Unified Charging Directive has been given.
USB-C charging port
Starting in 2024, all cell phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU must be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. The new regulations will apply to different electronic devices, according to the EU:
Advertising
- Cell phones
- Tablets and e-readers
- Digital cameras and video game consoles
- Headphones, earbuds and portable speakers
- Wireless mice and keyboards
- portable navigation systems
In addition, the new rules will also apply to all portable computers 40 months after the directive takes effect. This means that from spring 2026, the obligation will also be extended to laptops. This means that most devices will be able to be charged with the same charger in the future.
Wireless charging
Regardless of manufacturer, all new cell phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, portable video game consoles and speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, earbuds and laptops that can be charged via a cable and operate at up to 100 watts must be equipped with a USB Type-C port.
All devices that support fast charging will now have the same charging speed, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.
On the last item, the announcement says, "Wireless charging technology is becoming more and more in demand, but it is not yet harmonized for all devices. In order for this technology to be used on more devices, the Commission will address harmonization of wireless charging technology for electronic devices, as well as interoperability issues, based on the state of technical development.
Pictogram and freedom of choice
To help consumers know exactly what they are buying, the directive requires a pictogram to indicate whether a charger is included with the new device and a label to indicate the charging capacity.
The directive also allows consumers to choose whether to purchase a new device with or without a charger. This will not only save consumers money, but will also reduce the electronic waste associated with the production, transportation and disposal of chargers. Four years after the directive enters into force, the Commission will assess whether this unbundling of sales should be made mandatory.
Following the Council's approval of the European Parliament's position today, the act is adopted. It will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union after signature by the President of the European Parliament and the President of the Council and will enter into force 20 days after publication. The new rules will apply 24 months after the entry into force of the regulation.
Advertising
