EU standardizes common chargers use to cut e-waste

30 / 12 / 2024

By Marwa Nassar - -

The EU has standardized charging ports for mobile phones and other portable electronic devices, all new devices sold in the EU must now support USB-C charging. This will reduce the number of chargers you need to buy, help minimize electronic waste and simplify your everyday life.

The EU highlighted the benefits of the common charger; including increasing consumer convenience as you can charge your mobile phone and other similar electronic devices with one USB-C charger, regardless of the device brand.

This will also help reduce e-waste. Discarded and unused chargers account for about 11 000 tons of e-waste annually.

The new rules encourage reusing chargers, which helps to reduce the environmental footprint.

Moreover, this will also help save money as you can now buy new electronic devices without a charger. This will help consumers save approximately €250 million a year on unnecessary charger purchases.

The new rules help to ensure that charging speed is the same when using any compatible charger for a device.

The EU’s Common Charger Directive was approved by the Council of the EU in October 2022. Manufacturers were given a transition period to adjust their designs and ensure compliance. From 28 December 2024, the rules apply to mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and earbuds sold in the EU. From 28 April 2026, they will also apply to laptops.