After the European Union and India, the British government is in turn launching a consultation to study the possibility of making USB-C compulsory as a charging port for electronic devices. Enough to harmonize regulations in Europe, and soon on a global scale. Apple is obviously concerned, although the firm has already largely started the shift.
The United Kingdom also wants to simplify the charge
The UK Office of Product Safety and Standards, part of the Department of Business and Commerce, requests the views of manufacturers, importers, distributors and trade associations regarding the benefits and challenges of implementing a common charging standard in the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland).
This initiative follows 2022 EU legislation, which requires most portable electronic devices to use USB-C for charging by December 28, 2024, in an effort to reduce electronic waste and improve charger compatibility.
Although the UK has previously indicated it is not considering similar rules, it is now examining whether adopting USB-C as a standard could benefit businesses, consumers and the environment. The consultation will last eight weeks and end on December 4, 2024.
The main topics under study include:
- The standardization of USB-C as a common charging port;
- The introduction of harmonized fast charging technology;
- Give consumers the opportunity to purchase devices without a charger;
- Implement labeling requirements for load specifications.
The government recognizes that many manufacturers, such as those producing smartphones, tablets, cameras, headsets and laptops, have already voluntarily adopted USB-C to simplify their supply chains. For example, Apple, which had long used its proprietary Lightning port, adopted USB-C for its iPhone 15s last year, with the latest products using Lightning expected to follow soon such as iMac accessories (the AirPods having just recently switched ). However, the government wishes to understand the full implications of implementing this requirement formally.
This European legislation has also led to changes in the box of the devices. This is why the new iPad mini 7 will not come with a charger in several European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. A way to reduce electronic waste (and increase profits for businesses).
