From Autumn 2024, a Universal Charger for Mobile Devices in the EU

EU member states and the European Parliament reached an agreement on a universal charger for mobile phones and other electronic devices, and from Autumn 2024, all portable electronic devices of small and medium size will need to be equipped with USB-C port.

After the summer break, the Council and Parliament need to formally confirm this agreement, which will then be published in the official EU journal and will come into effect 20 days after publication. The implementation of the directive will begin 24 months after it comes into force, that is, in Autumn 2024. The new rules will not apply to products placed on the market before the directive comes into effect.

According to the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charger and cable every time they buy a new device, and they will be able to use a single charger for all their small and medium portable electronic devices.

Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, headphones, digital cameras, handheld gaming consoles, and portable speakers that can be charged via a wired cable must be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of the manufacturer. Laptops will also need to comply with these requirements within 40 months after the directive comes into force.

The unique USB-C port will allow consumers to charge devices with the same USB-C charger, regardless of the brand of the device.

The greatest resistance to the new rules came from the American manufacturer Apple, whose iPhone does not have a USB-C port, as used on most Android devices.

Charging speed has also been standardized for devices that support fast charging, which will allow users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.

Consumers will also have clear information about the charging characteristics of the new device to better understand whether they already have a compatible charger at home and will be able to decide whether to purchase the device with or without a charger.

According to estimates, consumers could save up to €250 million annually as they will not needlessly purchase new chargers. It is estimated that discarded and unused chargers represent about 11,000 tons of e-waste annually.

In addition to significant benefits for citizens, the introduction of a universal charger is expected to reduce electronic waste, of which only 40 percent is recycled in the European Union, according to Eurostat.