The government is considering plans to implement a common charging cable for all new electronic devices in the UK.
The move would mirror recent EU legislation that requires USB-C as the universal standard from December this year. The law was passed in 2022 and the Conservative government at the time said they were not considering similar rules in the UK.
However, the Labour government is now considering the plans and a call for evidence has been launched to ask for views on the benefits of using one standard charging cable for new devices – such as mobile phones, headphones and e-readers.
The EU passed the law in order to significantly reduce the volume of electronic waste. It is also hoped that it will reduce costs for consumers and simplify the experience, cutting the need for multiple chargers and plug connectors.
It comes after Apple phased out their lightning connectors, first introduced with iPhones in 2012, and replaced them with USB-C ports in September last year. The move meant people buying the brand new iPhones – from the 15 onwards – could no longer use their old cables to charge their new devices.
What are the current rules?
The UK currently does not have a specific regulation mandating a universal charging standard for electronic devices. Different brands employ various unique connectors and technologies.
Most commonly, smartphones, tablets, and laptops use a mix of proprietary chargers, USB-A, and micro USB connectors, along with the increasingly popular USB-C.
While there are guidelines in place concerning electrical safety and waste management under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations, these do not specifically address the standardisation of charging cables. The government has previously encouraged manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices, but compliance remains voluntary.
Why does the government want to change the rules?
The need to reduce electronic waste and enhance consumer convenience is thought to be behind the push for a common charging standard in the UK.
According to Materials Focus, a charity encouraging the reuse and recycling of electricals, some 103,000 tonnes of waste electricals are being thrown away in the UK each year.
The charity’s ‘Recycle Your Electricals’ campaign revealed that nearly 50% of UK households have old electricals that they no longer use. It suggested that there are more than 600 million unused or discarded cables in the UK.
The campaign highlighted how proper recycling can recover valuable materials and prevent harmful substances from entering landfills.
A universal charging solution could also simplify the consumer experience by cutting the need to juggle multiple chargers for different devices.
What are the most common charging cables?
Several types of charging cables dominate the market in the UK, each associated with different device brands and technologies. The most common include USB-A, micro USB, and USB-C.
USB-A is one of the oldest and most recognisable connectors, often found in chargers and power banks. However, it is becoming less common for new devices as manufacturers shift toward more advanced standards.
Micro USB has been widely used for smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices for many years. However, although it remains prevalent, particularly in older models, its popularity is declining as USB-C becomes the preferred choice.
USB-C is rapidly emerging as the standard charging cable for new devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Manufacturers say it offers advantages such as faster charging, data transfer capabilities, and a reversible design. Major brands like Apple and Samsung have begun adopting USB-C across their newer products.
What are the rules in the EU?
In October 2022, the EU passed a law that will require a common charging standard for electronic devices, primarily centred around the USB-C connector.
The rules require manufacturers to adopt USB-C as the universal charging solution by the end of 2024 for smartphones.
As well as phones, all new tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, earbuds and laptops that are rechargeable via a wired cable, operating with a power delivery of up to 100 Watts, will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port. Manufacturers have to have the standard implemented by mid-2026 for laptops.
The EU’s legislation also allows manufacturers to choose their own charging technologies – provided they comply with the USB-C standard.
The EU hopes that the law will significantly reduce the estimated 11,000 tonnes of e-waste generated annually from unused or discarded chargers.