Brussels proposes mandatory USB-C chargers for all smart devices

The European Commission has unveiled plans to establish a universal charger for smartphones and other electronic devices in a bid to reduce e-waste by encouraging consumers to re-use existing chargers.

The Commission proposal states that all phones and electronic devices sold in the EU must have USB-C chargers, something that has already been adopted by most manufacturers. 

The notable exception to this is Apple, which warned the move would harm innovation and ultimately hurt consumers. The tech giant's iPhone is powered by a unique, Apple-made "Lightning" connector, though its newer models come with charging cables that can be plugged into a USB-C socket.

"We remain concerned that strict regulation mandating just one type of connector stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, which in turn will harm consumers in Europe and around the world," Apple told the BBC.

Read more: EU set to hit Apple with antitrust charges

Most new Android phones come with the USB-C standard.

The proposed rules would apply to the charging port on the device and will apply to smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers and handheld games consoles. Other products such as fitness trackers, smart-watches and earbuds were not considered for technical reasons connected with size and use conditions.

The proposal also calls for fast-charging speeds to be made standard, meaning that devices capable of fast charging will charge at the same rapid rate, and for consumers to have the right to choose whether to purchase new devices with or without a charger. 

The Commission's push comes after more than a decade of trying to persuade the industry to adopt a common standard in a bid to cut back on the 11,000 tonnes of electronic waste generated in the bloc every year.

According to the Commission, its research found that the average EU household owns at least three chargers, with two being used regularly. It also found that 38% of people reported having not been able to charge their phone due to not finding a compatible charger.

Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: "Chargers power all our most essential electronic devices. With more and more devices, more and more chargers are sold that are not interchangeable or not necessary. We are putting an end to that. With our proposal, European consumers will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics – an important step to increase convenience and reduce waste."

Read more: Blow to Big Tech as EU court backs national data watchdog powers

At a press briefing in Brussels, Breton defended Apple's claims that the rules would hinder innovation. 

"If Apple wants to continue to have their own plug, they will have the ability to do it. It’s not against innovation, it’s just to make the lives of our fellow citizens a little bit more easy,"

If the proposals are accepted by the European Parliament, then companies will then have two years to adapt. While they would only pertain to the 30 EU member states it could, much like the bloc's strict privacy regulations, could become the de facto world standard.

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