New EU legislation for all electrical devices to have the same charging cable comes into effect

New European Commission legislation establishing a common USB-C charging port requirement for mobile phones and other electronic equipment comes into effect on Saturday, 28 December 2024 in the EU including Ireland.

This means that devices including handheld mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice and portable navigation systems placed on the market must use the same charger – putting an end to the need for multiple, different fittings.

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The so called ‘Common Charger Directive’ (Directive 2022/2380) applies to all relevant devices (regardless of brand) placed on the market from 28 December 2024, except for laptops. For laptops the rules will apply from 28 April 2026. This is to give manufacturers of laptops the time needed for redesign and transition to the common charging solution.

The Common Charger Directive will allow consumers to charge devices with any USB-C charger. It will mean that end-users do not have to buy a new charging device when they buy a new mobile phone or a similar item of electronic equipment. The Directive will also ensure that charging speeds are the same when using compatible chargers. When buying a device, consumers will also get the necessary information on charging performance characteristics, and the charging device that can be used with the device.

The Directive will also promote Ireland’s move towards a circular economy, by reducing the environmental footprint associated with the production and disposal of chargers.

Commenting on the new regulations, Minister of State with special responsibility for Communications and the Circular Economy Ossian Smyth said:

“This Directive will improve convenience for consumers – not just in Ireland but across the EU – by significantly reducing the amount they spend on chargers. This reduction in unnecessary charger purchases will also lead to an estimated 980-tonne reduction in electronic waste in the EU per year, which is in keeping with Ireland’s goals of moving to a circular economy”.