The project of single charger for the European Union took an important step and is looking to be implemented on mobile devices, tablets and even laptops. after being approved by the councilthe members of the IMCO Commission adopted their position so that USB-C becomes the common charging port.
MEPs from the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection voted 42:3 in favor of the directive issued in september. According to IMCO, all mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, portable speakers and portable video game consoles They must include a USB-C port.
the single charger will apply to all brands, although some devices such as smart watches, sports or health bracelets would be exempt due to size issues. The proposal please note that the charger is not included in the boxbut is sold separately.
The proposal will improve consumer convenience by harmonizing charging interfaces and fast charging technology. With this new law, the sale of chargers will be separated from the sale of electronic devices, so a new charger will not necessarily be included when buying a new device. This will reduce electronic waste associated with the production, transportation and disposal of chargers.
MEPs said that new devices should offer clear information about charging options. The Council proposed the use of a pictogram to indicate whether the product includes the charger, as well as a label with the specifications, including support for fast or wireless charging.
The single charger now, wireless charging in 2026
MEPs asked the European Commission to present a strategy for interoperability of any new wireless charging solution by 2026. “The objective is to avoid a new fragmentation in the market […] and avoid so-called “blocking” effects created by proprietary charging solutions,” they said.
The rapporteur, Alex Agius Saliba, stated that the excess chargers for mobile devices generates between 11,000 and 13,000 tons of electronic waste every year. Adopting USB-C as the sole charger will help the environment, save money, and reduce unnecessary costs and hassles for businesses and consumers.
We are proposing a truly comprehensive policy intervention, building on the Commission’s proposal by calling for interoperability of wireless charging technologies by 2026 and improving the information provided to consumers with dedicated labels. We are also expanding the scope of the proposal by adding more products, such as laptops, that will need to comply with the new rules.
The next step will be for the European Parliament to approve the project in the plenary session in May. Once achieved, MEPs will start talks with the governments of the European Union on the final form of the legislation. Companies will have a transition period of 24 months to be able to adapt.
Although most companies already use, or contemplate the adoption of USB-C, Apple opposes to this extent. Those from Cupertino assure that single charger stifles innovation and will hurt consumers in Europe and all over the world. For some reason, the American company is reluctant to remove the Lightning port from its mobile devices.