Common charger port in the EU: what manufacturers must know

Two years ago, the European Commission adopted a Proposal to introduce a common charger port – the USB Type-C port- for mobile devices and similar products. With the Parliament and the Council’s adoption in October 2022, the Official Journal published the final text of Directive (EU) 2022/2380 in November 2022. The Directive amends EU Directive 2014/53/EU, the Radio Equipment Directive.

Devices to have a USB Type-C port

The devices that must be equipped with a USB Type-C are laptops, mobile phones, tablets, headphones, headsets, earbuds, portable speakers, digital cameras, handheld videogame consoles, e-readers, keyboards, mice, and portable navigation systems, as listed in part one of the Annex to the Directive. This requirement will apply to laptops from 28 April 2026, whereas all other devices have to comply with the new provisions already as of 28 December 2024. Interestingly, the new rules apply to the device’s connectors (the common port), while they do not impose a uniform charger for all devices. To address the external power supplies, the Commission is reviewing the Eco-design Regulation which could introduce provisions for a uniform charging device regardless of the brand.

Solutions to reduce waste and strengthen consumer information

Certainly, the major change that the RED amendment has introduced is the harmonised charging port for electronic devices. However, Directive (EU) 2022/2380 brought other important solutions with the goal to reduce waste and move towards the economic circularity’s objectives while ensuring innovations. The most relevant provisions include:

• Harmonised fast charging technology through the USB Type-C – The new rules will ensure that the charging speed will be the same when using any compatible charger for a device (e.g., using a charger from a different brand should not impact the charging speed of that device). Specifically, the USB Type-C charging receptacle provides up to 100 Watts of power when combined with the USB Power Delivery charging communication protocol, which can be extended up to 240 Watts in the future. Charging power for mobile devices is typically lower than 100 Watts.
• Uncoupled sales of a device and related charger and cables – A new device should not always be sold together with a charger or related cables.
• Stronger consumer information (pictogram) – Consumers must know before buying a device if a charging device is included and, if included, what charging capabilities and compatibilities the device has. For clear and fast information, the device should display a pictogram. The manufacturer has to affix the pictogram on the packaging, either directly on the packaging or as a sticker. There are three different pictograms:
  1. One pictogram indicating that a charging device is not included with the radio equipment (example 1, EC download here)
  2. One pictogram displaying specifications of the radio equipment’s charging capabilities and the compatible charging devices (example 2, EC download here)
  3. One pictogram indicating that a charging device is included with the radio equipment (example 3, EC download here)

Compliance with RED: how to sell electronics in the European Union

In the EU, Directive 2014/53/EU (Radio Equipment Directive, or RED) regulates electronics that emit or receive radio waves for communication or determination. Some examples of RED devices are smartphones, televisions, remote controls, smartwatches, routers, and laptops. Typically, devices with Bluetooth, GPS, or Wi-Fi are radio equipment.

Whether manufactured in the EU or not, all RED devices must comply with this Directive if sold on the EU market. Additionally, all non-EU manufacturers must have an economic operator based in the EU for market surveillance purposes, such as the authorised representative. The authorised representative can, among other tasks, verify products’ compliance, review the labels, and provide an EU contact point to ensure efficient communication from end-users and EU economic operators.

Do you have questions on compliance with the EU Radio Equipment Directive? Contact us here!

References:

European Commission (2024) One common charging solution for all. Retrieved on 09.04.2024.

European Commission (2022) Directive (EU) 2022/2380 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 November 2022 amending Directive 2014/53/EU on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment. Retrieved on 09.0.2024.