EU passes law on common charger for mobile phones, tablets by 2024: What does it mean?

The European Union (EU) has passed a new law requiring USB Type-C to be the common charger for all mobile phones and tablets from 2024. The new law, adopted by plenary on Tuesday with 602 votes in favour, 13 against and 8 abstentions, is part of a broader EU effort to reduce e-waste and empower consumers to make more sustainable choices. 

This move will be benefitting the environment and the consumers. USB Type-C port will be the new standard for portable devices, offering high-quality charging and data transfers.

What does it mean?

Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charger every time they purchase a new device, as they will be able to use one single charger for a whole range of small and medium-sized portable electronic devices.

Regardless of their manufacturer, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, earbuds and laptops that are rechargeable via a wired cable, operating with a power delivery of up to 100 Watts, will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port.

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

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Among big providers of electronic devices to European customers, Apple is expected to be among the most affected as it uses a Lightning connector in its devices. Apple has in the past warned that the proposal would hurt innovation and create a mountain of electronics waste.

The European Commission has estimated that the single charger would save about 250 million euros ($247.3 million) for consumers. Half the chargers sold with mobile phones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29% had a USB-C connector and 21% a Lightning connector, which is used by Apple, a 2019 Commission study showed.

(With inputs from agencies)