In Spain, work is being done on the creation of a regulation that establishes the use of the USB type C port as a universal charger for electronic devices. This measure complies with the transposition of a European directive and will give users the option to decide if they want to purchase the charger together with their new device.
The Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure, of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation, has launched a Royal Decree in public audience to modify the regulation that establishes the regulation to use the USB type C port as a universal charger.
The obligation to use this charger will come into force on December 28, 2024, with the aim of achieving interoperability of charging systems between devices and reducing electronic waste.
In addition, consumers will be able to have complete information about charging when purchasing a new equipment, including charging capacities and compatible charging devices, according to reports. Europe Press.
The article states that consumers will have the option of decide if they want to purchase a charger along with the new device. This is due to a new article (art. 3 bis) in the European directive that requires informing about the inclusion of the charger in the product package.
To comply with this directive, a label and a pictogram will be required on the packaging and instructions, indicating the charging system and the presence or absence of charger. In the case of distance selling, this information must be visible next to the price.
All this is done in search of interoperability between charging systems, the reduction of electronic waste and transparency when informing consumers. The Royal Decree points out that in terms of the possible increase in the price of chargers, the impact assessment carried out by the European Commission establishes that “in general terms, consumers will save money by buying fewer chargers due to the possibility of reusing them”.
About the European USB-C Directive
As of December 28, 2024, Directive 2022/2380 of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union establishes that Member States must make the use of the USB Type-C port as a universal charger mandatory for various electronic devices, not only smartphones (including the iPhone), but also tablets, digital cameras, headphones, portable game consoles, wireless speakers, electronic readers (eReaders) and accessories such as keyboards, mice, headphones and portable navigation devices.
The new regulations establish a different deadline for laptops, which have until April 28, 2026 to adapt. In addition, the obligatory nature of the USB type C port in smart watches and activity bracelets is excluded due to its size and conditions of use.
