The Directive (EU) 2022/2380 is a directive of the European Parliament and the European Council which was formally adopted on 23 November 2022 amending Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53.[1] The directive mandates the use of USB-C as a universal charger using a standard USB-C to USB-C cable for smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld video game consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, and earbuds that use wired charging by the end of 2024, and laptops by 2026.[2][3] Furthermore, if such equipment is capable of being recharged by wired charging at voltages higher than 5 volts, currents higher than 3 amperes, or powers higher than 15 watts, the equipment must support the full functionality of USB Power Delivery.
It is considered a successor to the EU's common external power supply (2009–2014), a voluntary specification which used micro-USB as a standard connector.
The legislation was criticised by Apple, who argued in 2019 that a single standard would "freeze innovation rather than encourage it." Apple also noted that if a universal standard was not an existing standard, adoption of a new standard would lead to increased e-waste.[4] Apple uses its proprietary Lightning connector for many devices, but is in the process of transitioning to USB-C.
References
- ↑ "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 (Text with EEA relevance)". 7 December 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ↑ Gerken, Tom (12 December 2022). "December 2024 set as date for universal phone charger in EU". BBC News. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
- ↑ Satariano, Adam (7 June 2022). "Europe wants to help clear out your drawer full of chargers". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
- ↑ Abdul, Geneva (17 January 2020). "A Common Charger for All Phones? The E.U. Is on the Case". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 March 2023.