“It's Charger Time,” The European Commission posted X On December 28, 2024. While this sentiment only applies to one continent (and not the whole) and only a few devices, the Common Charger Directive now in force in the EU suggests that very few gadgets will employ the barrel, USB-Micro. Or proprietary plugs on their owners.
General Charger Instructions Demands that a “USB-C receptacle” be equipped with “radio equipment” that “be equipped with a removable or embedded rechargeable battery” and “can be recharged via wired charging.” If it has a battery and can be powered at up to 100 watts via a USB-C connection, it is generally subject to EU USB-C RequirementsThe Directive applies to “placed on the market” devices shipped to a distributor or buyer after December 28, even if they were initially designed and sold before that date.
Laptops have until April 2026 to comply, but most other things—phones, tablets, handheld gaming devices, computer accessories and wireless headphones—will have to be powered by USB-C to be sold inside the EU from now on . For now, drones are largely ignored by the directive, but the EU will probably deal with them.
The directive contains several exceptions and some scope. Devices with non-rechargeable batteries, such as coin cells or AA/AAA batteries, get a pass, as do many smart home gadgets that are let off the hook. There is some vague language about recharging devices inside a case or box, although earbud cases are specifically included in the mandate. Devices that charge only wirelessly are also exempted. And a device may offer another charging option, such as Apple's MagSafe or a proprietary plug, as long as USB-C charging is also available.
Less bricks, standardized “fast charging”
The most significant impact so far of this USB-C requirement has been on Apple, which initially opposed it gradually shifted its products From its proprietary Lightning connector to USB-C. Its latest imac Comes with a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad that all connect via USB-C. The company stopped selling the Lightning-charging iPhone 14 and iPhone SE in the EU after December 28.
In addition to simply demanding that a USB-C port be present, the instructions require that anything with “fast charging” – drawing more than 5 volts, 3 amps or 15 watts – be enabled. USB Power Delivery (USB PD) standardThis should ensure that they negotiate charging rates appropriately with any charger with USB PD, rather than requiring their own proprietary charging brick or adapter.
In Europe, devices must state on their product boxes whether they have a charging plug or a mid-cord brick. A separate label will indicate the minimum and maximum power required to charge the device and whether it can support USB PD or not.
Can the EU tie cables and wires together?
The EU's celebratory post on Could. Most of these criticisms are addressed in the actual text of the law, as more powerful devices are exempt, secondary power plugs are allowed, and wireless gets a massive pass. “When will USB-D arrive?” That's something no one can really answer, although it does seem to be a vague reason to avoid addressing the e-waste, fragmentation, and consumer confusion of the large device charging ecosystem.
How the Common Charger Directive will be implemented remains to be seen, as it is up to the member states. It is also unproven whether companies will comply with it across their international product lines or will only make specific EU-compliant products.
This story was originally published on Ars Technica,