Universal mobile chargers to become reality by 2024

Following Parliament approval, EU consumers will soon be able to use a single charger for electronic devices.

By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. From spring 2026, the obligation will extend to laptops. MEPs today voted overwhelmingly in favour of the proposal in Strasbourg.

The new law is part of a broader EU effort to reduce e-waste and to empower consumers to make more sustainable choices. Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charger every time they purchase a new device, as they will be able to use one single charger for a whole range of small and medium-sized portable electronic devices.

Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) said: “The common charger will finally become a reality in Europe. We have waited more than ten years for these rules, but we can finally leave the current plethora of chargers in the past. This future-proof law allows for the development of innovative charging solutions in the future, and it will benefit everyone from frustrated consumers to our vulnerable environment. These are difficult times for politics, but we have shown that the EU has not run out of ideas or solutions to improve the lives of millions in Europe and inspire other parts of the world to follow suit.”

Fine Gael's Colm Markey has welcomed the European Parliament's approval of the new law.

The Midlands-North-West MEP said: “This is all about making the EU more sustainable and making consumers’ lives easier. A decade on from this first being proposed, an EU common charger will now become a reality.

“It’s time to put an end to the piles of cables we all have at home. This new law will lead to more re-use of chargers and help consumers save up to €250 million a year on unnecessary purchases. Dumped or unused chargers are estimated to represent about 11,000 tonnes of electronic waste annually. A common charger makes common sense.”

Markey explained what will be covered by the new rules:

“USB-C will become the standard port for mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers that are rechargeable via a wired cable regardless of their manufacturer. Laptops will also have to be adapted about 3 years after the law comes into effect. Buyers will be able to choose whether they want to buy new electronic equipment with or without a charging device," he commented.

“Today’s vote is an example of the EU putting the consumer first and taking practical action to reduce waste. The EU has led the way on this issue and I note that countries such as Brazil and India plan to follow suit. It’s my hope that a common charger will become the norm globally in the years ahead,” Markey added.

Midlands-North-West MEP Maria Walsh also welcomed the new development.

“Crucially, this proposal underlines the EU’s commitment to sustainability, but as well, it makes sense for businesses and will make everyday life simpler for consumers. This is a concrete example of a practical change that every EU citizen can see and appreciate,” MEP Walsh said.

“The micro-usb charger was a major EU success story and it reduced the number of incompatible chargers in the market from 30 to 3. This was essential in reducing electronic waste and making life simpler for consumers. However, the move towards a common charger is still incomplete.”

Most importantly, MEP Walsh pointed out, the ruling would be applicable to all manufacturers, including Apple.

“This Directive underlines the EU’s commitment to sustainability by reducing electronic waste by approximately 11,000 tonnes annually, and is in line with the recommendations of the Conference on the Future of Europe in relation to reducing consumption,” concluded MEP Walsh.

Regardless of their manufacturer, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, earbuds and laptops that are rechargeable via a wired cable, operating with a power delivery of up to 100 Watts, will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port.

All devices that support fast charging will now have the same charging speed, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.