Chargers will be harmonized for small and medium-sized portable electronic devices by 2024 in the EU, negotiators of the European Parliament and the Council have agreed.

A press release from the Parliament made it clear that “By autumn 2024, USB Type-C will become the common charging port for all mobile devices. such as phones, tablets, and cameras in the EU”. The devices affected include mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld video game consoles and portable speakers rechargeable via a wired cable, keyboards, computer mice, and portable navigation devices, Xinhua news agency reported, citing European Parliament regulation, but they will benefit from an extended deadline of 40 months. After the entry into force to comply with it.

Provision for wireless charging has also been made, as it is becoming more prevalent according to Agius Saliba. Consumers will have the option to choose if they want to buy new devices with or without a charger. The two important advantages of the regulation according to reports are that consumers and the environment will both are going to get a fairer deal.

European consumers will be able to save up to 250 million euros per year on unnecessary charger purchases. When they will be able to use one charger for multiple devices. Regarding the environment, it is estimated that unused chargers generate approximately 11,000 tonnes of e-waste each year.

The new rule will come into effect after it the published in the EU Official Journal.