EU Consumers will now be able to function with a single, uniform (wired- but still) charger. Directive 2022/2380 of the EU amending Directive 2014/53 relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment, formally adopted on 23rd November 2022, has recently been published in the Official Journal. The Directive, which will come into force on the 27th December, so in a mere 16 days, will require in a nutshell, that wired chargers of *all devices be uniform.
The harmonisation of chargers for data-enabled mobile phones sold in the EU was initially introduced in 2009 with a Memorandum of Understanding signed by major producers of mobile telephones, where the industry committed to providing chargers compatibility on the basis of the Micro-USB connector. However, the Memorandum of Understanding also allowed for the use of proprietary charging interfaces, and a major mobile phone manufacturer continued manufacturing on that front (*coughs* must be a piece of apple lodged in my throat), thus preventing full interoperability. The document was renewed several times, and a new one proposed in 2018 but full interoperability could not be achieved.
Directive 2022/2380 currently seems a solution to the consumers’ (and the environment’s- as has been pointed out many times in accompaniment to the text) problem of numerous chargers. The new rules have expanded on the devices included and will make a USB-C charging port mandatory for a range of electronic devices from the end of 2024, but for laptops in 2026. The range of electronic devices include mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, earbuds, and laptops.
The new rules will also require consumers and other end-users to be informed by a pictogram whether a charger is included with a device, and that consumers be given a choice to purchase the device with a charger or without. Manufacturers will also be required to provide information on the charging capabilities and compatible charging devices to consumers. This information will be required to be included in the instructions and safety information annex to devices. Aside from interoperability and consumer information, the rules also require that charging speed for devices that support fast charging be harmonised.
The Directive seems, at present, in line with interoperability ambitions of the EU, and a solution to tech-geeks who are in want of cable minimalism. However, wireless chargers have not been subject to regulation within this framework yet (see reasons here)- so time will tell.
One thought to “Prepare to say goodbye to the drawer of chargers in your study, yes, the one in the corner *right* there 🔌”