Radio Equipment Directive (2022)

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European Parliament adopted new rules to make USB type-C the common charging standard for small electronic devices by the end of 2024. P059080-864189.jpg
European Parliament adopted new rules to make USB type-C the common charging standard for small electronic devices by the end of 2024.

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.

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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 used its proprietary Lightning connector for many devices, but since 2023 it uses USB-C.

See also

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References

  1. "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.
  2. Gerken, Tom (12 December 2022). "December 2024 set as date for universal phone charger in EU". BBC News. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  3. Satariano, Adam (7 June 2022). "Europe wants to help clear out your drawer full of chargers". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  4. 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.