From smartphones to laptops, all electronic devices in the European Union must use a single type of USB-C

Before the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the 27 member countries of the European Union (EU) must incorporate a USB Type-C charging porta measure that will be extended to laptops from spring 2026.

This was decided on Tuesday by the European Parliament, which approved the new legislation with 602 votes in favour, 13 against and 8 abstentions.

“The single charger will finally be a reality in Europe. We have waited over ten years for this law, but the current plethora of chargers will soon be a thing of the past,” said Maltese MEP Alex Agius Saliba.

The legislator added that “the regulation allows the development of innovative charging solutions and will benefit everyone, from consumers, fed up with changing chargers, to the environment.”

This initiative is part of a broader EU strategy aimed at reducing e-waste and inform consumers so they can make more sustainable choices.

No longer will you need a different charger for each new device. Thanks to legislation passed, consumers will be able to use a single charger for a variety of newly purchased small and medium-format portable electronics, which will need to have a built-in USB Type-C port.

Regardless of manufacturerthe obligation will apply to all mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headsets, e-books, keyboards and mice, as well as game consoles, speakers, navigation systems and laptops.

All devices that support fast charging will have the same charging speed, allowing users to charge at the same speed with any compatible charger.

As reported, this measure will also make it possible to eradicate ‘technological blockade’, whereby a consumer becomes captive of a specific manufacturer when purchasing one of their devices.

At present, the absolute majority of smartphones and tablets use three charging ports: micro-USB, which most phones have, the USB-C port, a more recent connection, and Apple’s Lightning system.

This measure will make the technology giant Apple have to abandon the specific port for charging its iPhone models, called Lightning.

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In the EU Devices must have explanatory labels on their charging characteristics, to allow consumers to easily check if the chargers they already have are compatible and to decide whether or not they want a charger when purchasing a new product.

Thanks to the greater reuse of chargers promoted by the new regulations, consumers will save up to 250 million euros a year in unnecessary purchases of these devices, reported the EU.

The chargers that end up in the trash can or in a drawer are equivalent to about 11,000 tons of electronic waste per year in the EU.

Member States will have 12 months to reflect the new rules in their legislation and another 12 months to start applying them. Products marketed before the application date will not be subject to the new rules. (YO)