By Agnes Szucs
BRUSSELS (AA) - EU lawmakers on Tuesday passed new legislation requiring USB Type-C chargers for all cellphones, tablets, and cameras sold in the EU as of the end of next year.
Passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 602-13, with eight abstentions, the European Parliament passed a new law requiring that USB-C chargers become the standard equipment for all mobile devices, the EU institution said in a statement.
The law sets a common standard for a wide range of devices and accessories, including cellphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, earbuds, and laptops.
It demands that all manufacturers, including tech giant Apple, equip their mobile devices with USB Type-C chargers instead of their own proprietary power conduits.
Starting in spring 2026, the obligation will extend to laptops as well.
The law will allow people to choose whether they want a new charger when they purchase a device or else use their own.
The legislation also requires a harmonized charging speed from all manufacturers that support fast chargers.
The Council of the European Union, representing EU member states, has yet to officially approve the law, but it is expected to be a formality after the two EU institutions reached a political agreement on the final text in June.
According to European Commission’s calculations, the change would save €250 million ($247 million) for European consumers and reduce e-waste by 11,000 tons every year.