By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets, cameras and other small or medium-sized electronic devices sold in the EU will need to be equipped with the UBS-C charging port, the bloc has agreed.
These rules are expected to be extended to laptops in 2026.
The EU said the change would reduce hassle for consumers and help cut electronic waste by removing the need to buy a new charger each time a device is purchased. The motion was approved with 602 votes in favour and 13 against, with eight abstaining.
“The common charger will finally become a reality in Europe,” European Parliament rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba said. “We have waited more than 10 years for these rules but we can finally leave the current plethora of chargers in the past.
“This future-proof law allows for the development of innovative charging solutions in the future and it will benefit everyone – from frustrated consumers to our vulnerable environment."
Under the new rules, consumers...