A common charger for your electronic devices
In October 2022 the Council gave its final approval to the common charger directive.
The directive will make a USB-C charging port mandatory for a whole range of electronic devices (mobile phones, video game consoles, wireless keyboards, laptops). This will:
- help consumers save money
- reduce the electronic waste associated with the production, transportation and disposal of chargers.
Member states are required to adopt the new rules for all devices by 28 December 2024, excluding laptops, which will need to be equipped with a USB type-C charging port by 28 April 2026.
The EU common charger
A solution for your electronic devices
The revised radio equipment directive establishes a common charger for certain categories of electronic device.
Having one charger for several devices will reduce electronic waste (e-waste) and make life easier for consumers.
Why a common electronic charger is needed
Europe is the continent that generates the most e-waste per capita:
- Europe: 16.2 kg per capita
- Oceania: 16.1 kg per capita
- America: 13.3 kg per capita
- Asia: 5.6 kg per capita
- Africa: 2.5 kg per capita
EU consumers generate 11 000 tonnes of electronic waste every year in the form of discarded and unused chargers. Estimation of e-waste from chargers in the EU (in tonnes):
- 2020: 11612
- 2022: 11601
- 2024: 11849
- 2026: 12160
- 2028: 13305
People in the EU buy 160 million mobile phones and 260 million other portable electronic devices per year, making a total of 420 million devices.
Europeans own three mobile phone chargers on average, of which they regularly use two.
38% of people have problems charging their mobile phone because no compatible chargers are available.
Changes brought in by the new directive
a common USB type-C charger
for several devices such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers, digital cameras, headphones, earbuds, portable speakers and handheld video game consoles, regardless of the brand
unbundling
the possibility to buy an electronic device and its charger separately
improved information
for consumers on unbundling and charging characteristics
a reduction in electronic waste
and greenhouse gas emissions
harmonised fast-charging technology
to charge devices at the same speed with a compatible charger
a common wireless charging standard
the possibility of defining a common wireless charging standard in the future
Benefits for consumers
choice
about whether or not to buy a new charger when purchasing a new electronic device
improved information
to assess whether the chargers they already own can be used with their new device
annual savings
of €250 million from unnecessary charger purchases
Benefits for the planet
reduction in electronic waste
by almost a thousand tonnes annually
indirect reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
of approximately 180 ktCO2e per year
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Last review: 29 May 2024