The EU Parliament has given its final approval to the uniform USB-C charging standard for smartphones and many other devices. On Tuesday, MEPs voted almost unanimously in favor of a regulation previously agreed by negotiators from Parliament and the EU member states. Accordingly, the new requirements will come into force in 2024. In a final step, the EU member states still have to agree, which is scheduled for October 24. However, this is considered a formality.

Legal requirements have been a long time coming. The Commission first raised the issue of charging cables more than ten years ago. 14 manufacturers - including Apple - agreed on a uniform standard for cell phone power adapters in a voluntary commitment. For the sockets in smartphones and tablet computers, three of several dozen types were left: USB-C, Apple's Lightning connector and Micro-USB.

Representatives of various parties are celebrating the result. Andreas Schwab (CDU), internal market policy spokesperson for the EPP group, points out that it will also be easier to switch from one manufacturer to another. However, remaining stocks of other charging cables could still be sold later. His SPD colleague René Repasi also welcomed the fact that the EU Commission is yet to present a uniform standard for wireless charging.

In contrast, the software, IT and digital industry association Bitkom has voiced vehement criticism. The plan runs counter to the principle of technological openness, it said. "Innovations in charging times or data transmission, for example, will be slowed down politically," said Bitkom CEO Bernhard Rohleder.

Green MP Anna Cavazzini disagrees with this. "Contrary to what some lobbyists claim, the agreement on the standardized charging cable is open to innovation." If there is a better connection in the future, USB-C could be replaced - but only by a new uniform standard.

However, there are also company representatives who are happy about the new rules. "Standardized charging cables stop annoying cable clutter and save resources and consumers' nerves," said the Association of Municipal Enterprises. The association represents the interests of the waste management industry, among others.

In addition to cell phones, numerous other devices are now also covered by the new rules. These include tablets, digital cameras, headphones, loudspeakers, e-readers, keyboards and mice. The rules will apply to laptops from spring 2026. According to the EU Parliament, the new guidelines should lead to consumers in the EU saving 250 million euros per year by avoiding unnecessary purchases of chargers.

In future, it should also be clear at the point of purchase whether a device is sold with or without a charging cable. In addition, special labels should make it easier to determine whether existing chargers are compatible with the end device. "This will also enable the buying public to make an informed decision as to whether it is necessary to buy a new charger with a new device," said the EU Parliament.