New EU rules on common USB-C chargers for electronics to come into force

Starting on Saturday, all small- and medium-sized portable electronic devices sold in the EU must be compatible with USB-C ports to address waste.

Transcript

00:00European Union consumers will no longer need a different charger for their smartphones,

00:07tablets, cameras, headphones, video game consoles and other devices as USB Type-C charging ports

00:14are to become the standard for mobile tools across the block.

00:18The new policy comes into force this Saturday, nearly two years after the European Parliament

00:23and Member States voted overwhelmingly in favour of scrapping alternative charging methods.

00:30Under the EU rules, consumers can also opt out of receiving a new charger with each device

00:36they buy.

00:38Laptop manufacturers will face the same rules as of 28 April 2026.

00:44Electronic device manufacturers have resisted the EU's push to standardise charging technologies

00:50for years.

00:51The decision will affect all providers, but most of all Apple, which initially contested

00:57the rules, citing innovation concerns.