The European Union has recently enacted a law that mandates most electronic devices to adopt a single type of charger: USB-C.
This move means consumers will no longer need to juggle different chargers for various gadgets, as USB-C will become the universal standard for a wide range of devices.
The law, known as the Common Charger Directive, was approved in 2022 and is now officially in effect. Its primary objective is to tackle the growing problem of electronic waste. The European Commission reports that discarded chargers account for approximately 11,000 tonnes of waste annually, with USB-C expected to significantly help in reducing this environmental issue.
The new regulation applies to various devices, including smartphones, tablets, cameras, and headphones, although laptops will have until late April 2026 to comply, allowing manufacturers more time to transition to USB-C.
While items like electric toothbrushes and hair clippers are not covered under the directive, there may be plans to expand the rule to other devices in the future. The European Commission is also considering measures to further reduce waste, such as limiting the number of cables included with products and possibly establishing a standard for wireless chargers as technology advances.
This law marks a major step toward greater convenience and sustainability for consumers, promoting the use of a single charger for all devices and helping to create a more eco-friendly electronics market.
