The new regulation, which will go into effect starting in late 2024, was ratified by the European Union’s parliament and mandates that all new smartphones, tablets, and cameras use a single standard charger. According to the new regulation, all mobile phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the EU must feature a USB Type-C charging port in the initial phase. The restriction will then apply to computers starting in the spring of 2026.
About For electrical gadgets, including smartphones, the EU adopts a single charging reform:
It should be mentioned that the rule was passed as a result of the EU’s initiatives to lessen e-waste and provide customers with greater authority over their purchasing decisions. In addition to other smartphone manufacturers, experts believe Apple will be the most impacted by the new regulation because it will be required to replace the charging port for its customers using iPhones and other devices in the EU. USB-C connections can transfer data at speeds of up to 40 GB per second, charge devices at up to 100 Watts, and connect to external displays.
All mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, portable speakers, handheld videogame consoles, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, mice, and portable navigation systems will be subject to the new EU rule over the next two years. Analysts predict it will have an effect on Huawei, Samsung, and other gadget manufacturers.
According to the information, users can now choose between two charges—one with and one without a USB-C charger—when purchasing a gadget as a result of this move.
The single charger rule has been supported by EU authorities, who emphasize that the norm will simplify life for Europeans, reduce the mountain of out-of-date chargers, and lower costs for consumers.
According to news sources, the law can reduce annual EU electronic waste production by more than a thousand tonnes and save at least €200 million, according to EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager.
Apple tried to oppose the legislation even though it already uses USB-C charging connectors on its laptops and iPads, forcing it to switch from Lightning ports on its iPhones. It had contended that the technology would hinder innovation and the charger would be out of proportion.
There are 450 million people living in the 27-country European Union. The Brussels Effect, or the disruption of international industry norms caused by a significant regulation reform, is well known.
The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs in India has already written to business leaders and other interested parties to encourage them to consider a strategy for using a single cable to charge all of their gadgets.
The notion of LiFE, or “Lifestyle for the Environment,” as introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the UN Climate Change Conference (CoP 26), which was held in Glasgow in November 2021, has been mentioned by the ministry.
