The European Union continues with harmonization work for a common charger, which now focuses on rechargeable batteries for light means of transport, after imposing the USB-C port for the vast majority of electronic devices.
The European Union's 'Common Charger Directive' mandates USB-C charging for the vast majority of portable electronic devices, including phones, tablets, digital cameras, headsets and video game consoles.
This charger will be mandatory starting in autumn 2024, and responds to the objectives of reducing electronic waste in the European Union and preventing consumers from having to purchase new cables and chargers with each device purchase.
With the intention of expanding the electronic devices that can "benefit" from the common charger, the European Commission is currently analyzing six categories of devices: 'wearables' such as 'smartwatches', virtual and augmented reality headsets, commercial drones, video game controllers, radio-controlled toys, and electric toothbrushes.
The results of this study will be revealed at the end of this year, as confirmed by the Commission in a written response to a question posed by the MEP of the European People's Party Tom Vandenkendelaere.
The European Commission is also working on the regulation of printers and their cartridges, as announced last year with the Work Plan on Ecological Design and Energy Labeling 2022-2024.
In this sense, "it will study measures, including harmonization and interoperability where appropriate, to improve the energy and resource efficiency of these products."
With regard to rechargeable batteries, it has confirmed that it is evaluating the best way to harmonize the standards for a common charger for this type of batteries, both for those integrated into light means of transport - scooters or electric bicycles - and in other categories of electronic and electrical equipment that are not included in Regulation 2023/15424.
