The European directive was written into French law in 2023
Universal chargers that are compatible with a wide range of electronic devices will become standard for new purchases from December 28 as a French law applying a European directive comes into force.
In line with the directive, which was originally approved by the European parliament in October 2022, the USB-C port will become the standard charging port for new electronic devices regardless of the manufacturer.
The measure will help eliminate 11,000 tonnes of electronic waste every year according to European Commission estimates.
The law does not affect plug sockets or mains cables, but just the charging ports on devices.
Second-hand or reconditioned devices are not thought to be subject to the rule. However, although the wording of both the European directive and the French law are not clear on this point, it is believed unfeasible.
In addition, the legislation does not stipulate like-for-like charging speeds between USB-C chargers of different brands.
Consumer magazine UFC-Que Choisir notes that due to the various technical protocols used by different manufacturers “recharging a Samsung device with an Apple-brand charger could well take a very long time”.
Apple, which previously used its own charging port on iPhones, introduced the USB-C port on its devices with the release of the iPhone15 in 2023.
What products must use a USB-C charging port?
The law applies to:
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mobile phones
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tablets
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e-readers
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headphones and wireless headphones
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digital cameras
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portable video game consoles
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GPS devices
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computer keyboards and mice
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portable speakers
The law also stipulates that the USB-C is to be the standard charging port for laptops from April 2026.