European legislators have today come to an agreement that requires all phones, tablets and cameras sold in Europe to have a common USB-C charging port.
The new law will also apply to iPhones, which currently use a Lightning port for charging.
Under the new legislation, all future smartphones sold in the EU, including iPhones, must have a USB-C port for charging before fall 2024.
The regulation only applies to devices that are charged using a cable and not those that are only charged wirelessly.
“Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe! European consumers had long been frustrated with the multiple chargers that piled up with each new device. Now you can use a single charger for all your portable electronic devicessaid European Parliament rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba.
“We are proud that laptops, e-readers, headphones, keyboards, computer mice and portable navigation devices are included, in addition to smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld video game consoles and portable speakers. We have also added provisions on wireless charging, which is the next evolution of charging technology, and improved information and labeling for consumers.“, he continued saying.
Buyers will receive clear information about the charging features of new devices, making it easier for them to know if their current chargers are compatible. They will also be able to choose whether they want to buy new phones with or without a charger.
It’s unclear whether manufacturers will have to offer both packaging options in Europe or whether they’ll be required to provide a charger in the box if buyers want one.
“These new obligations will lead to more reuse of chargers and help consumers save up to €250 million a year on the purchase of unnecessary chargers. Discarded and unused chargers are estimated to account for 11,000 tonnes of e-waste per year»says the European Parliament in a press release.
The new EU rules would not apply to products placed on the market before the new rules take effect after 24 months.
