Press release
'One Size Fits All' Phone and Electronic Charger Directive to come into place
From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Published on
Last updated on
New European Commission legislation establishing a common USB-C charging port requirement for mobile phones and other electronic equipment comes into effect tomorrow (Saturday, 28 December 2024).
This means that devices including handheld mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice and portable navigation systems placed on the market must use the same charger – putting an end to the need for multiple, different fittings.
The so called 'Common Charger Directive' (Directive 2022/2380) applies to all relevant devices (regardless of brand) placed on the market from 28 December 2024, except for laptops. For laptops the rules will apply from 28 April 2026. This is to give manufacturers of laptops the time needed for redesign and transition to the common charging solution.
The Common Charger Directive will allow consumers to charge devices with any USB-C charger. It will mean that end-users do not have to buy a new charging device when they buy a new mobile phone or a similar item of electronic equipment. The Directive will also ensure that charging speeds are the same when using compatible chargers. When buying a device, consumers will also get the necessary information on charging performance characteristics, and the charging device that can be used with the device.
The Directive will also promote Ireland’s move towards a circular economy, by reducing the environmental footprint associated with the production and disposal of chargers.
Commenting on the new regulations, Minister of State with special responsibility for Communications and the Circular Economy Ossian Smyth said:
"This Directive will improve convenience for consumers – not just in Ireland but across the EU – by significantly reducing the amount they spend on chargers. This reduction in unnecessary charger purchases will also lead to an estimated 980-tonne reduction in electronic waste in the EU per year, which is in keeping with Ireland’s goals of moving to a circular economy."
ENDS
Since 2009, the European Commission has been seeking to limit the fragmentation of the market for charging interfaces for mobile phones and similar devices. The aim is to improve consumers’ convenience, reduce environmental footprint and enable future innovation. Years of working with industry on a voluntary approach proved successful in reducing the number of mobile phone chargers on the market from 30 to 3 over the last decade. However, such initiatives only led to voluntary schemes that are not legally binding. In addition, there was no legal basis for the unbundling of the external power supply from the sale of the device.
Directive 2022/2380 (the 'Common Charger Directive'), amends Directive 2014/53/EU (the 'Radio Equipment Directive'). The Radio Equipment Directive harmonises Member States laws relating to the making Radio Equipment available on the market. The Common Charger Directive specifies the charging receptacle (USB-C) and charging communication protocol used by specific categories of radio equipment.
The Commission is looking to obtain interoperability on the side of the external power supply (plugged into wall socket). The Commission is reviewing the Ecodesign Regulation (2019/1782) which covers these external power supplies. This will complement the Common Charger Directive objectives and provide the necessary legislative framework.