USB-C

EU countries give green light for common charger by fall 2024

‘Having a charger that fits multiple devices will save money and time and also helps us reduce electronic waste,’ says Czech Industry Minister Jozef Síkela.

BY PIETER HAECK

The European Union's environment ministers Monday gave the final nod on a mandatory USB-C charging port for electronic devices by 2024.

USB-C will become mandatory for a range of devices, like mobile phones, tablets and e-readers, digital cameras and game consoles, headphones and loudspeakers, wireless mice and keyboards, and portable navigation systems. The rules will apply 24 months after entering into force, likely to be fall 2024. Laptops have a longer grace period — of 40 months — which means a common charger for laptops will come by early 2026.

"Having a charger that fits multiple devices will save money and time and also helps us reduce electronic waste," Czech Industry Minister Jozef Síkela said — adding that e-waste due to chargers currently amounts to 11,000 metric tons a year.

Lawmakers in the European Parliament already gave their approval in early October. The next steps for the bill are to be signed by Parliament President Roberta Metsola and a representative of the Council of the EU, currently held by the Czech Republic, and to be published in the EU's Official Journal (entering into force 20 days after publication).