Since 2024, a fresh regulation has been in force in the European Union concerning standards for charging electronic devices. fresh regulations require that all portable electronic equipment specified as mobile phones, Tablets, digital cameras, readers, headphones is computer mice, were equipped with the same charging port to be USB-C. In addition, from April 2026 these provisions will besides apply laptops.
Single charging standard – what does this mean for consumers?
The fresh regulations aim to simplify the lives of electronic equipment users in the EU. So far, the diversity of charging ports, including microUSB, USB-C and lighting (used by Apple), caused compatibility problems and the request to have multiple chargers. By implementing a uniform USB-C charging standard, consumers will gain more comfort and saving.
Harmonised charging technology will enable users to usage 1 charger for multiple devices, which in turn will destruct existing problems related to charging speed and compatibility. It is worth adding that the USB-C standard allows fast charging, which will importantly reduce the charging time of the equipment.
Provisions concerning the sale of equipment without a charger
The fresh rules besides include a change in the way electronic devices are sold. From now on, consumers will be able to buy equipment without included charger. This solution is expected to contribute to limitations on excess loaders, which are presently manufactured and sold together with devices, even though many users already have working chargers at home.
European Commission data shows that this will save consumers over €250 million per year. Moreover, reducing production of fresh chargers will reduce Electronic waste o 980 tonnes per year. Right now, they're alone. telephone chargers are liable for about 11,000 tonnes of waste A year.
What about Apple and Lightning products?
Although the biggest manufacturers, specified as Samsung and Huawei, have been utilizing USB-C ports in their devices for years, Apple has always been betting on port Lightning in their smartphones, tablets and another devices. This port has become 1 of the main reasons why the European Commission has decided to introduce legislation.
Apple initially relied on uniform standards, but as a consequence of force from EU institutions, the company began to adapt its equipment to the fresh standard. Since 2024, all fresh Apple devices including iPhone and iPad, must have a port USB-CThey will so comply with the fresh EU rules.
What changes do laptops have?
The fresh rules for a single charging standard include only portable devices, but from April 28, 2026 These requirements will besides be extended to laptops. By then, manufacturers of portable computers will gotta adjust their charging devices utilizing USB-C, allowing full compatibility with another mobile devices in the EU.
Environmental benefits
The introduction of a uniform charging standard is besides a step towards environmental protection. Data provided by the European Commission show that reducing the number of unnecessary chargers in the marketplace will reduce electronic waste. all year, the European Union itself generates hundreds of tons of waste, including utilized chargers. With fresh regulations that restrict the production of fresh devices of this type, it is expected that Carbon footprint related to electronics production will be importantly reduced.
Reduce costs for consumers
By eliminating the request to buy fresh chargers on each purchase, consumers will not gotta spend extra money on accessories for electronics. It's definitely going to lower costs of use Electronics and will contribute to reducing the overproduction of electronics, which is economically and environmentally beneficial.
Harmonised electronics market
The introduction of a uniform charging standard is besides a step towards facilitating trade electronic devices in the European market. In this way, both manufacturersand distributors can adapt their offers more easy to legal requirements. A single solution will besides make life easier for consumers who will not gotta worry about whether the purchased device will be compatible with their current chargers.
Read more:
Single charger for all devices in the EU. fresh rules enter into force
