Testing, inspection and certification company SGS has welcomed guidance from the European Commission to help manufacturers and retailers of electronics devices apply the new rules within the Common Charger Directive.
The Directive, approved by the EU Council in October 2022, is an update to the Radio Equipment Directive (RED). This CE marking regulates the placement of radio equipment on the EU market and aims to improve consumer convenience, and reduce the environmental footprint associated with the production and disposal of chargers, according to SGS. Its application will make it mandatory for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port.
Guidance released by the EU in May explains rules on harmonized charging receptacles, harmonized charging technology and the unbundling of charging devices from the sale of electronic devices. It also provides more detail on product labelling via graphic pictograms to advise consumers if their current charging device meets their new device’s specifications or to help them to select a compatible charging device.
From December 28, the Common Charger Directive will apply to handheld mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and earbuds sold in the EU. It will be applicable for laptops as of April 28, 2026.
SGS Connectivity & Products Global Certification Deputy Head Keith Hutchinson said: “We wholeheartedly welcome this further clarity from the EU Commission on the application of its forward-looking Common Charger Directive. 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.”