EU Commission Wants to Make USB-C the Default GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO News > Smart & Connected Life

EU Commission Wants to Make USB-C the Default

It hopes to cut down waste and redundant accessories

By Rob Rich Rob Rich News Reporter College for Creative Studies Rob is a freelance tech reporter with experience writing for a variety of outlets, including IGN, Unwinnable, 148Apps, Gamezebo, Pocket Gamer, Fanbolt, Zam, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 23, 2021 04:39PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Smart & Connected Life Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Citing e-waste and consumer inconvenience as driving factors, the European Commission is introducing legislation to make USB-C the new default. The commission aims to make USB-C the sole type of connection used for the charging cables found with smartphones, video game consoles, etc. The explanation is that it will be more convenient for consumers and reduce the amount of e-waste created by redundant accessories. The move also aims to stop the practice of chargers being bundled with new devices, as this often results in drawers full of useless cables. Talaj / Getty Images "With our proposal, European consumers will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics—an important step to increase convenience and reduce waste," said Thierry Breton, the EC's internal market commissioner, in the announcement. The proposition would make USB-C the only charging port used for electronic devices moving forward, no matter the brand. According to the commission, this would "help prevent that different producers unjustifiably limit the charging speed. It would also...help to ensure that charging speed is the same when using any compatible charger for a device." Getting rid of charger pack-ins with electronics is also on the docket as a means of limiting the number of unused or discarded chargers. The commission estimates that this alone could reduce the amount of yearly e-waste by roughly 1,000 tons. Though if you needed a charger when buying a new device, this would mean you'd have to purchase one separately. Neurone89 / Getty Images As for when this will all start to change, we'll have to wait and see. Since it's just a proposal at the moment, there's no guarantee it'll come to pass. If it does, then the industry will have 24 months from the date of adoption to complete the transition. So even if the proposal passed today, we'd still have until the latter half of 2023 before it would roll out completely. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Why USB-C iPhones Could Help Make Your Life Easier USB-C vs. Lightning: What's the Difference? USB-C vs. USB 3: What's the Difference? How to Fix a Broken Charger USB-C vs. Micro USB: What's the Difference? The 7 Best Rechargeable Battery Chargers of 2022 The 4 Best USB-C Chargers of 2022 Quntis PD Charger and Lightning to USB-C Cable: Fast Charging for Most of Your Devices The 6 Best Fast Chargers of 2022 How to Charge a Chromebook Without a Charger Expert Tested: The 3 Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks in 2022 The 6 Best Car Chargers, Tested by Experts Can an iPad Pro Charge Wirelessly? Choetech Fast Wireless Charging Stand Review Apple MagSafe Charger Review: A Premium Price for Wireless Charging Expert Tested: The 9 Best Wireless Phone Chargers in 2022 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies