The new rules will make USB type C connectors the standard in 27 EU countries, why is it important?

From autumn 2024 all the small to medium electronic gadgets sold in the European Union are to be equipped with a common charging port - USB-C. Why is it important, and how does it help sustainability?
The new rules will make USB type C connectors the standard in 27 European countries for mobile phones, e-readers, earbuds, tablets, cameras, speakers, keyboards, mice, and other devices. In total, 13 categories of electronic devices will be affected. The rule will also apply to laptops from 2026. All the other chargers and incompatible products are expected to be gradually phased out.
It is likely that phones and other gadgets will be sold now without a charger in the box, as people already have the appropriate accessories at home.
And this regulation does really lead to a more sustainable lifestyle!
Reducing electronic waste by approximately 11,000 tons annually - standardizing chargers to USB-C means fewer proprietary chargers will be produced, reducing the number of obsolete chargers disposed of each year.
- Promotion of reuse: With a standard charger, consumers can continue using their existing chargers for new devices, promoting reuse and extending the lifespan of charging accessories.
- Lower energy consumption: USB-C chargers are more efficient than older charger types, leading to reduced energy consumption during charging processes and lower overall energy usage.
- Resource conservation: Standardization reduces the need for manufacturers to produce multiple charger types, leading to less resource extraction and manufacturing waste associated with producing different charger models.
- Facilitation of circular economy: By standardizing chargers, it becomes easier to implement take-back programs and recycling initiatives for electronic devices, facilitating the circular economy model and reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste.
- Simplified recycling process: With fewer types of chargers in circulation, recycling facilities can more easily process and recover valuable materials from discarded chargers, further promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental burden of electronic waste.
According to the European Commission’s estimations, it will save about $250 million for consumers.
By the end of 2024 the European Commission also plans to introduce uniform requirements for the wireless charges. This will help avoid negative environmental impacts and eliminate the so-called technological “lock-in” effect, when the consumer becomes dependent on one manufacturer.
Post prepared by Maria Stepanova, NEAH Expert
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[@ViaDiva]

I'm very excited about this change, and looking forward to it being implemented in every country across the world - I'm very annoyed that I still have to use micro-USB for some incredible little gadgets like a handheld fan, not to mention Apple's Lightning and proprietary laptop chargers

[@Eonz]

Honey I'm also tired of the different types of type C chargers. Don't boast about type C when each type C cable is built diffrent.