The agreement to make USB-C the mandatory standard for portable electronics has this afternoon been approved by an overwhelming majority. The law will reduce the amount of e-waste and make it easier for consumers, as devices such as smartphones, tablets, headphones, e-readers and digital cameras will be able to be charged with the same cable and charger.

The regulations are also intended to standardize fast charging. However, the press release raises some questions as, for example, according to the wording, it seems that the rules only apply to devices that are charged up to 100W – a limit several manufacturers have already crossed.

The law will come into effect at the end of 2024.

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Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charger every time they purchase a new device, as they will be able to use one single charger for a whole range of small and medium-sized portable electronic devices.

Regardless of their manufacturer, all new mobile phones, 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.

All devices that support fast charging will now have the same charging speed, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.