The EU has officially introduced USB-C as a charging standard for gadgets
The European Commission has officially implemented the Single Charger Directive, which was approved in October 2022. From now on, all devices sold in the EU must support USB-C charging.
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The new rules cover smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, gamepads, portable speakers, keyboards, mice, e-readers, navigation systems, and even wireless headphones. However, for laptops, the directive will only take effect from 28 April 2026.
This initiative is aimed at reducing the amount of e-waste, as, according to the European Commission, unused chargers account for about 11,000 tonnes of waste every year. The new rules should make life easier for users by eliminating the need to use different charging cables for each device.
Despite the scale of the innovation, some devices, such as electric toothbrushes and hair clippers, are not yet covered by the directive. However, the Commission allows for the possibility of revising the list of devices in the future to include more categories of gadgets.
Further steps include the development of standards for wireless charging and the elimination of cables from devices. This will further reduce waste and make charging even more versatile.
This decision could also have an impact on the global market, as manufacturers will seek to standardise their devices in line with EU requirements.
Source: European Commission
