By autumn 2024 for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the EU.
This law is part of the EU's wider efforts to make products more sustainable in the EU and to reduce the amount of electronic waste. This is also to make life easier for consumers.
Under the new regulations, consumers will no longer need a different charging device and cable each time they purchase a new device. They will also be able to use one chargers for all your small and medium-sized portable electronic devices. Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earphones, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, portable video game consoles and portable speakers that can be charged via a wired cable will be required to be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of their producer's. Laptops will also need to be brought into compliance by 40 months after entry into force.
Charging speed is also harmonized for supporting devices fast landing. This allows users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.
Better information and choice for consumers
Consumers will get the clear informations about charging characteristics of new devices, making it easier for them to check whether their existing chargers are compatible. Buyers will also be able to choose whether they want to buy new electronic equipment with or without a charger.
New recipes will lead to greater reusing chargers. They will also help consumers save up to PLN 250 million euro annually on unnecessary purchases of chargers. It is estimated that discarded and unused chargers constitute approximately 11 tons of e-waste annually.
Encouraging technological innovation
As wireless charging technology becomes more widespread European Commission will be entitled to develop the so-called delegated acts on the interoperability of charging solutions.
Parliament's rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba said: “Today we have made a common charger in Europe a reality! European consumers have long been frustrated by the multiple chargers overlaying each new device. Now they will be able to use one charger for all their portable electronics.
Source: European parliament
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