Goodbye Lightning: European Parliament supports the recognition of USB Type-C as a standard connector for mobile devices

Members of the European Parliament supported the proposal to recognize USB Type-C as a standard connector for portable electronic devices. The Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Rights Protection voted with 43 votes in favor and two against.

What does it mean

We immediately draw attention to the fact that this is not a final decision yet: the draft should be approved in May at a plenary meeting, after which the MEPs will be ready to start negotiations with the EU governments on the final form of legislation.

The new rules ensure that consumers no longer need a new charger and cable every time they buy a new device, and they can use one charger for all of their small to medium sized electronic gadgets. These include mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, portable game consoles, and portable speakers charged via a wired cable – all of which will eventually need to be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of manufacturer.

But there are exceptions - smartwatches, health trackers and some sports equipment, which are too small for a USB Type-C port. The European Parliament also proposed to extend the standard to laptops.

MEPs also want to see clear information and labeling on new devices about charging options and whether the product includes a charger.

“With half a billion portable device chargers shipped to Europe each year, generating between 11,000 and 13,000 tons of electronic waste, one charger for mobile phones and other small and medium electronic devices will benefit everyone. This will help the environment, further help reuse old electronics, save money and reduce unnecessary costs and inconvenience for both businesses and consumers,” said speaker Alex Agius Saliba (MT, S&D).

In addition, with the growing use of wireless charging, MEPs want the European Commission to present a strategy by the end of 2026 that ensures that any new charging solutions are at least compatible.

Source: European Parliament