site.btaCabinet Prepares for Introduction of USB-C Chargers

The government adopted changes to two regulations that introduce long-awaited EU directive requirements for a standard charger for mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, over-ear headphones or headset sets, in-ear headphones, handheld video game consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, laptops and more, the cabinet press office said.

New obligations are also being introduced for manufacturers, importers and distributors, who will have to indicate via a special pictogram whether or not a charger is sold with the new devices.

The expected results of the changes in the two regulations are related to consumer convenience, increased consumer awareness, as well as a reduction of waste of electrical and electronic equipment in the context of resource efficiency and the move towards a clean circular economy.

In October 2022, the Council of the European Union announced that it had given final approval to the new rules on the common charger. The USB-C port is expected to become mandatory for mobile phones, tablets and headphones sold in the EU in 2024. The rules introduce a requirement for electronic devices to be charged with a single device rather than different ones to reduce e-waste.