The European Commission has presented its proposal for a universal charger for mobile devices, based on the USB-C standard. The aim is to allow consumers to re-use the same charger for multiple devices, while also reducing the amount of electronic waste.
If adopted, the requirement would apply for smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers and portable gaming devices. Consumers would be able to choose whether they wanted to buy the device with or without a new charger. According to the Commission, a universal standard for the chargers could save almost 1,000 tonnes of waste each year.
The regulation would also introduce a harmonised standard for fast charging, a feature increasingly available on mobile devices. A common standard would help ensure that manufacturers do not limit the speed of charging with third-party chargers. Manufacturers would be required to inform customers better on the power required to charge a device optimally and if it supports fast-charging, so consumers can decide whether their existing charger works or they need a new one for the device.
The changes would be implemented as an update to the EU's Radio Equipment Directive. That requires approval first by the European Parliament and Council. After that the Commission proposes a 24-month transition period to allow the industry to adapt to the new rules.
The move is expected to face the most resistance from Apple, which uses its own proprietary Lightning cable. Most new Android devices are powered already by USB-C connectors. Apple claims a common standard could hold back innovation. The Commission disagrees, saying new technology could be accommodated with updates to technical requirements in the directive.
The last time the EU looked at the issue was in 2018, when it failed to reach an agreement with the industry on a new standard. Lawmakers at the European Parliament last year approved a new resolution calling for a common charger, citing environmental benefits and convenience to users. It is up to the Commission to implement the plans.
There are no plans to regulate wireless charging for devices yet. The Commission said the technology is still in the early days of developing a market.
