Goodbye, Lightning: European Parliament supports recognition of USB Type-C as standard for mobile devices
MEPs supported the proposal to recognize USB Type-C as a standard connector for portable electronic devices. The Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection voted 43 in favor and two against.
What does it mean
We would like to draw your attention to the fact that this is not the final decision yet: the draft should be approved in plenary in May, after which MEPs will be ready to start negotiations with EU governments on the final form of legislation.
The new rules ensure that consumers no longer need a new charger and cable every time they buy a new device, and they can use one charger for all their small and medium-sized electronic gadgets. These include mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld game consoles and portable speakers that are charged via a wired cable – all of which will eventually need to be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of the manufacturer.
But there are exceptions – smartwatches, health trackers and some sports equipment, the size of which is too small to install a USB Type-C port. The European Parliament has also proposed extending the standard to laptops.
MEPs also want new devices to have clear information and labels about charging options and whether the product contains a charger.
“As half a billion portable chargers are shipped to Europe each year, generating between 11,000 and 13,000 tonnes of e-waste, one charger for mobile phones and other small and medium-sized electronic devices will benefit everyone. This will help the environment, further help reuse old electronics, save money and reduce unnecessary costs and inconveniences for both business and consumers,” – said Alex Agius Saliba (MT, S&D).
In addition, due to the growing use of wireless charging, MEPs want the European Commission to present a strategy by the end of 2026 that ensures minimum compatibility of any new charging solutions.
