By 2024, All Smartphones In The EU Will Have A Single Charger

The European Union Parliament has passed a historic law that will compel smartphone manufacturers to have a single charger for all devices, in this case, a Type-C charging port.

According to the new law, mobile phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port, and from 2026, the obligation will extend to laptops.

The new law, adopted by plenary on Tuesday with 602 votes in favor, 13 against, and 8 abstentions, is part of a broader EU effort to reduce e-waste and empower consumers to make more sustainable choices.

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“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,” said part of the new law.

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.

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The EU says the move will help in reducing the inconvenience of having to change chargers as well as wastage that comes as a result of too many spoilt chargers. This will force phone companies within and without the EU, but who sell to the EU to change the devices being sold in the region.

At the same time, Britain says no fuel-powered cars will be allowed in 2025. The government says all cars will have to be electric and all manufacturers will have to start as early as now.