The USB-C Directive, which requires mobile devices to have a universal charging port, is now in force in the EU. The ultimate goal of the directive is to reduce e-waste and address market fragmentation. However, universal USB-C ports are only part of the directive – the European Union also wants to improve labeling, fast charging and reduce e-waste.
The European Commission, the governing body of the European Union, decided in 2022 that starting in 2025, mobile phones must ship with a universal charging port, and it must be USB-C. All 27 EU member states had until December 28 to merge the directive into their national laws.
The directive covers all mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld video consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and earbuds that can be recharged and powered by a wired cable. is Delivering up to 100 watts.
The directive says that laptop manufacturers have some additional time until April 28, 2026 (or a further 16 months) to comply with the directive. Also, some devices, like the PlayStation 5, for example, which has a 350W power input, don’t fall under the rules.
There are some devices like drones or wireless chargers that are still not covered. The European Commission said it would “continually assess market developments, market segmentation and technological progress” to keep the list of devices “as relevant and up-to-date as possible”.
The directive requires devices to have USB-C charging ports, but they can still use their own proprietary charging solutions, like MacBooks, for example.
Also, if a device without a USB-C port is already on the market, it may remain on the shelves. However, manufacturers cannot introduce new products without the port, and retailers cannot receive shipments of older devices.
Pictures of whether the charger is in the box, not in the box, and what the charging rates are
Another aspect of the directive concerns the charging solution. It states that any device that can be recharged with a voltage greater than 5V, currents greater than 3A, or power greater than 15W must be USB-PD compliant.
This means iPhones and Pixels are in the clear, but OnePlus and Oppo devices with SuperVOOC must enable USB PD; Otherwise, they will be kept away from the market. Those companies have supported USB-PD for a while, so nothing will change.
The Realme GT7 Pro, for example, must enable USB-PD
The European Commission is allowing the sale of new electronic devices without a new charger. The goal is to prevent excessive waste, which results in buyers owning many duplicate chargers that are unused and often end up in the general trash, as they are rarely recycled.
This means that phones in the 27 countries that are part of the European Union will no longer come with a charger in the box. The EC expects that the user base will adapt to the new directive over time and simplify it a bit, by providing a graphic on the retail box of the mobile device, stating whether it comes with a charger.
Phones in all price ranges will no longer have adapters in the box
Each country will be able to implement its own understanding of measures and regulations to ensure that companies and retailers comply with the rules.
Another interesting topic is whether other regions will follow in the footsteps of the EU. This directive may seem like a hassle for manufacturers, but the reality is that it is a big win for consumers. The union has once again proven itself as an organization that sides with its citizens, not corporations.
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