UK looks to common USB-C charger specification

The UK government is inviting views on the introduction of a common charger for mobile phones and other portable electrical and electronic devices.

This follows the adoption of the USB-C standard for chargers across the European Union. The ‘Common Charger Directive’ EU2022/2380 will require the use of USB-C based chargers for mobile phones and other portable electrical/electronic devices placed on the EU market from December this year.

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“We consider that it would potentially help businesses and deliver consumer and environmental benefits if we were to introduce standardised requirements for chargers for certain portable electrical/electronic devices across the whole UK,” said the UK government.

“We are seeking views from manufacturers, importers, distributors, and trade associations as to whether it would be helpful to do so and, if so, whether this should be based on USB-C – as adopted by the EU. We also want to hear about the issues and practicalities a similar approach may involve.

“The aim of this call for evidence is to help us understand the potential impacts of introducing these measures,” it said. It is also looking at input from consumers.

The call for evidence is looking at the potential benefits and costs of introducing these measures alongside the issues and practicalities of a USB-C common charger including harmonised fast charging, unbundling the sale of a charger from the sale of the electrical/electronic device and additional labelling and information requirements.

It expects this is already happening to meet the European requirements.

“We consider that manufacturers are likely to adopt a similar approach to the EU Common Charger Directive for the whole of the UK on a voluntary basis in order to avoid supply chain complexity. As a result, the USB-C charging port is likely to become the industry default,” it said.

“While the impact is likely to be low, as industry continues to move towards USB-C for wired charging, the Government considers that it would potentially help businesses and deliver consumer and environmental benefits if we were to implement an equivalent charging solution across the UK.”

The changes would be added to the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, which was introduced in September, to provide enabling powers that will allow the Government to update the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017.

 The consultation runs to December 4th at https://ditresearch.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3EEmlpzlDZkaZfM