consumer
Uniform charging cable – Germany implements EU requirements
A charging cable with a USB-C plug lies next to a bundle of different connection cables. photo
© Jens Büttner/dpa
The EU states agreed on the uniform USB-C charging standard in 2022. It will become a reality in Germany by the end of 2024.
“With the change to the Radio Equipment Act, the days of chaos with different charging cables for smartphones, tablets or notebooks are numbered,” explained Economics Minister Robert Habeck. “The uniform EU charging cable will make life easier for consumers in the future – and significantly less electronic waste will help the environment.”
Specifically, USB-C will be required as a standard for smartphones, digital cameras, headphones, tablets, portable video game consoles, keyboards, e-readers, navigation devices, headsets and portable speakers, provided they can be charged with a cable. From 2026, this charging standard will also apply to notebooks.
According to the ministry, around 420 million electronic devices were purchased by consumers in the EU in 2020. On average, every consumer has three chargers, two of which they use regularly.
Last year, the EU states agreed on the uniform USB-C charging standard.