USB-Type C to Become the EU's Common Charger in 2024

European Parliament and EU countries have reached an agreement to make USB type-C the common charging standard for small electronic devices by autumn 2024. The Parliament gave the green light to negotiations with EU countries on the European Commission’s proposal on introducing a single charger for mobile phones and other small electronic devices, such as tablets, e-book readers, and smart cameras, at the beginning of May.

The legislation covers mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, earbuds, and portable navigation devices. Laptops will have to be adapted to the requirements 40 months after the law enters into force. To keep up with newer technologies, the European Commission can adapt the scope of the directive, particularly when it comes to wireless charging solutions.

Under the new law, consumers have the option to buy a new device either with or without a charging device. The application of the laws to new charging technologies will be regularly reviewed, the European Parliament said in a statement. After the proposal has been formally approved, which is expected to happen after the summer, EU countries will have two years to introduce the rules into national laws. It will not apply to products placed on the market before it comes into force.

The European Commission welcomed the swift provisional political agreement between the European Parliament and member states.“No more bundles of different chargers in our drawers. One common charger is a real benefit to us as consumers. It will also help our environment. So we welcome today's agreement of the common charger following a swift conclusion of negotiations between the co-legislators,“ said Margrethe Vestager, EC's Executive Vice-President for a Europe fit for the Digital Age.