December 31, 2024 – The European Commission has announced a new regulation effective immediately, mandating that all new mobile devices sold within the European Union must be equipped with a USB-C charging port. This measure aims to standardize charging methods, reduce electronic waste, and enhance consumer convenience.
The new rule encompasses a wide range of electronic devices, including phones, tablets, keyboards, mice, digital cameras, handheld game consoles, and headphones, all of which are now required to feature a USB-C port for wired charging. Additionally, the regulation demands that laptop manufacturers adapt their products to include USB-C ports by April 28, 2026.
According to the European Commission, this unified charging standard will eliminate the need for consumers to carry multiple chargers and cables for different devices, simplifying their daily lives and improving usability. A single charger will be able to power multiple devices, reducing clutter.
Many manufacturers have already begun incorporating USB-C ports into their devices. Notably, Apple has also started adopting the USB-C interface in its latest products to comply with the new regulation.
The European Commission estimates that approximately 11,000 tons of waste and unused charger-related e-waste are generated in the EU annually. The new regulation is expected to significantly reduce this type of electronic waste, promoting environmentally sustainable development.
The implementation of this regulation will be the responsibility of each EU member state, and non-compliant products may face penalties, including fines and even removal from the market.
