The USB type C charger is to be common in the European Union for all mobile phones and other small and medium-sized portable electronic devices. On Tuesday, the negotiators of the European Parliament and the Council reached an agreement on this matter – it was announced in a statement. Thus, the objection raised by Apple, the producer of iPhones, was rejected.
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“By autumn 2024, USB Type-C will become a common charging port for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the EU,” reads the Tuesday press release The European Parliament.
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One charger for everything in the EU
As indicated, the rules are part of the broader EU action to reduce electronic waste and to make life easier for consumers. Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need different device chargers, but will be able to use one for all portable electronic devices.
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Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earphones, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, portable video game consoles, and portable speakers that can be recharged with a wired cable will need to have a USB Type-C port, regardless of their producer’s.
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The new rules will also apply to laptops. There will be a transitional period. As we read, their producers will have to adapt to the new requirements within 40 months from the entry into force of the regulation.
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The charging speed for devices that support fast charging is also to be harmonized so that users will be able to charge their devices at the same speed using any charger.
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Entry into force of new regulations
According to EP estimates, consumers will save up to EUR 250 million per year during shifts, thanks to the fact that they will not have to buy new chargers. It is estimated that about 11,000 people are thrown away each year. tons of e-waste.
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Following the summer break, the European Parliament and the Council will have to formally approve the agreement. The new rules will then be published in the EU’s Official Journal. The terms will be effective after 24 months with some exceptions. The new rules will not apply to products already placed on the market. “Parliament has repeatedly called on the Commission to present a proposal for a universal charger over the past decade. The legislative proposal was submitted on 23 September 2021.” – recalled in Tuesday’s press release.
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IPhone and Android phone users have long complained about the need to use different chargers for their devices. The former are charged via the Lightning cable and Android devices are powered via the USB-C connectors.
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Half of the chargers sold with mobile phones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29%. had a USB-C connector, and 21 percent. Lightning connector.
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photo-source">Main photo source: Shutterstock
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