Europe updates guidance on common USB-C charger
The European Commission has issued new guidance on the its ‘one-size-fits-all’ Common Charger Requirements
The Directive on a single USB-C charger for equipment was approved by the EU Council in October 2022. This is an update to the Radio Equipment Directive (RED), a CE marking that regulates the placement of radio equipment on the EU market.
This will be mandatory for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU by the end of the year, applying to laptops in 2026.
The guidance sets out the scope and rules on harmonized charging receptacles, harmonized charging technology and the unbundling of charging devices from the sale of electronic devices as well as more details on product labelling.
Key changes introduced by the guidance include the harmonized charging receptacle and charging technology
All covered equipment must use a harmonized charging receptacle, such as USB-C or USB-PD. The directive specifies requirements for both standard and fast charging scenarios, allowing the use of other receptacles as long as they are accompanied by a USB-C receptacle.
Radio equipment listed in Part I of Annex Ia must incorporate USB power supply options specified in standard EN IEC 62680-1-3 for standard charging (up to 5 volts, currents up to 3 amperes, or powers up to 15 watts) and USB Power Delivery (USB PD) for fast charging (voltages higher than 5V, currents higher than 3A, or power higher than 15W), as described in standard EN IEC 62680-1-2. The equipment must also allow for the full functionality of USB PD if it incorporates any additional charging protocol.
The USB-C charger guidance also covers the use of user-friendly and easily accessible pictograms to indicate whether a charging device is included with the covered radio equipment. The specification of the charging capabilities and compatible charging devices have to be presented in a graphic form using a user-friendly label.
“We wholeheartedly welcome this further clarity from the EU Commission on the application of its forward-looking Common Charger Directive,” said Keith Hutchinson, Deputy Head, Connectivity & Products Global Certification at test house SGS.
“As an accredited Notified Body for the latest activated article of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) (2014/53/EU), we are ideally placed to support manufacturers, brands and retailers to take the necessary steps to meet the new requirements.”
Connectivity | SGS; Commission Notice – Guidance for the interpretation of the Common Charger Directive.
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