Sanity prevails. A reality where USB-C is the charging standard for portable electronics has come one step closer. Europe is, once again, leading the charge here.
Pun always intended.
Last year, news trickled out that the European Commission had put forward a proposal that will make this new USB standard a necessity for most portable electronics sold in the Old Continent. And today, the EU, Parliament, and Council negotiators have agreed to it.
USB-C will become the charging standard for a variety of electronics by 2024.
The idea behind this move is to not just promote sustainability and reduce waste, it will also empower customers to reuse their old chargers instead of buying new and different types for their devices.
As things stands, the legislation applies to the following portables that require a cable for charging:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- E-Readers
- Earbuds
- Headphones and headsets
- Handheld video game consoles
- Digital cameras
- Portable speakers
- Keyboards
- Mice
By autumn of 2024, all of the abovementioned electronic categories will be required to have a USB-C port if they are to be sold in Europe.
Interestingly, the legislation is set to come into effect for laptops as well sometimes in 2026.
Additionally, the EU has stated that customers will be clearly informed via product documentation if their existing charging cables are supported for their new purchases or not. They will also have the option to purchase new devices with or without charging accessories.
The European Union hopes to save €250 million a year on needless charging accessory purchases, and this move also has the potential to reduce electronic waste by 11,000 tons annually.
Wins all around!
