Official EU environmental reports and publications

EU Mandates USB-C for Smartphones, Tablets, and More to Reduce E-Waste Starting December 28

Dec 27, 2024, 05:31 PM

Starting December 28, the European Union requires all new portable electronic devices sold in member countries to be equipped with a USB-C charging port, regardless of the manufacturer. This mandate applies to smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, e-readers, portable speakers, keyboards, microphones, and other small and medium-sized electronics. The initiative aims to simplify charging for consumers, eliminate the need for multiple chargers, and reduce electronic waste in the EU by an estimated 11,000 tonnes annually, benefiting both consumers' wallets and the environment. Laptops are required to comply with the new standard by April 28, 2026. The regulation, passed by the European Parliament in October 2022, marks the end of proprietary charging ports like Apple's Lightning connector in the EU market.