EC introduces the Common charger. 4 answers you must know
Disclaimer: This document provides guidance and is not a legally binding interpretation and shall therefore not be relied upon as legal advice.
Adaptation of the RED. EC introduces the Common charger. 4 answers on what you must know
Which products are affected?
After many requests from the European Parliament for a Common Charger, on 23 September the European Commission proposed an amendment to the Radio Equipment Directive (RED).
If the proposal is adopted, USB-C will become the standard for the following products:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Digital Cameras
- Headphones
- Headsets
- Handheld videogame consoles
- Portable speakers
Do these products need to be modified immediately?
No. If the proposal is adopted, a transition period of probably 12 months will apply. It is possible that adjustments will still be made to the proposal, wait for that before redesigning products.
How to demonstrate compliance with the RED?
The RED requires that the product has an EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC). The DoC must state the relevant standards applied.
Products can apply the new standards:
- EN IEC 62680-1-3:2021 ('Universal serial bus interfaces for data and power - Part 1-3: Common components - USB Type-CTM Cable and Connector Specification) or
- EN IEC 62680-1-2:2021 ('Universal serial bus interfaces for data and power - Part 1-2: Common components - USB Power Delivery specification') for products above 5 Volt, 3 Amp or 15 Watt.
With USB-C, only the connection is regulated?
Yes, only the connection is regulated now. However, this year a proposal to regulate the chargers is expected. This will happen under the EcoDesign legislation.
Want to know more about the RED?
