From 28 December 2024, many rechargeable devices must be equipped with a USB Type-C port when placed on the EU market. This requirement is part of the “common charger port solution” adopted in 2022 with Directive EU 2022/2380. This Directive applies to a wide range of RED (Radio Equipment Directive) product. The list includes mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, and earbuds that can be recharged by means of wired charging, as specified in part one of the Directive’s Annex. The new requirements apply also to laptops. However, laptops will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port starting from 28 April 2026.
Timelines and selling of devices without common charger
The new rules apply to RED devices placed on the EU market from 28 December 2024. This means that devices that have arrived from a non-EU country to an EU country can be still be sold (made available) on the EU market. Thus, electronics already placed on the market should not be disposed of if they do not have a USB Type-C port.
Common charging port and charging protocols
Only USB-C receptacles as specified in standard EN IEC 62680-1-3 can be used to comply with the harmonised charging port provision. The use of other receptacles is allowed as long as the covered radio equipment is also equipped with a USB-C receptacle.
Concerning charging protocols, the charging options (USB power supply options) that a radio equipment must support are the following:
- For devices with a maximum charging power of 15 W or below: USB 2.0, USB 3.2, USB 4, USB BC 1.2, USB Type-C Current 1.5 A and 3.0 A, and USB PD.
- For devices with a charging power above 15 W: USB PD, which is a power delivery widely used for fast charging. In fact, this is mandatory to ensure fast charging consistency across brands.
Additional proprietary charging protocols are allowed. Nonetheless, they must not reduce the maximum power achievable with the USB PD charging protocol or the device’s harmonised charging hardware.
Unbundling of the charging device
In the context of the harmonised charging provisions, consumers in the EU should always have the option to buy a RED device without the charger. Nonetheless, this does not prevent manufacturers to include a charger in the box as long as consumers have both options. Additionally, such products must bear certain pictograms on their packaging. Specifically, the pictogram indicates the presence or absence of a charging device with the purchase of a rechargeable device. Importantly, these obligations apply only to the group of products listed above, specified in first part of the Annex to the Directive (mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, etc.).
Do you have any questions on compliance of electronics in the EU and UK? Contact us here and write an email to prodlaw@obelis.net.
References:
EUR-Lex (2024). Commission Notice – Guidance for the interpretation of the Common Charger Directive. Retrieved 13/11/2024.
EUR-Lex (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 13/11/2024.
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