The EU finally fixes a problem they attempted to address in 2013 when they mandated a standard charger for all mobile phones to be in full force by 2017
The industry did comply and we got standard chargers but unfortunately, the drafting legislators forgot to include the cables as part of the ruling and, as is their wont, the mobile phone industry drove a coach and four through the rules by not producing a standard cable.
The new rules to fix the problem
By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. From spring 2026, the obligation will extend to laptops
These new obligations will lead to more re-use of chargers and will help consumers save up to 250 million euro a year on unnecessary charger purchases. Disposed of and unused chargers account for about 11 000 tonnes of e-waste annually in the EU.
