Amended directive makes charging mobile devices easier

A Government Decree on the Conformity of Radio Equipment completes the national implementation of the amendments to the Radio Equipment Directive. By harmonising charging requirements, the amendments will make it easier to charge electronic devices, such as mobile phones and tablets.

The Government has issued a Decree on the Conformity of Radio Equipment, which has repealed the previous decree of the same name. Completing the national implementation of the amendments to the Radio Equipment Directive, the decree harmonises charging interfaces by setting USB-C as the common charging port for certain radio equipment. 

The amendments to the directive aim to prevent fragmentation of the market for charging interfaces and charging communication protocols, to improve consumer convenience and to reduce electrical and electronic waste. 

- Most mobile devices will be able use a common charger. It is high time we made life easier for consumers and untangled the jumble of cables, says Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets and digital cameras sold in the EU must have a USB Type-C charging receptacle. From spring 2026 onwards, the requirement will also apply to laptops. This means that consumers will be able to use a common charger with several devices.

Economic operators must offer end users the option to purchase radio equipment without a charger it the equipment falls within the scope of the directive. This will reduce the amount of electronic waste. Economic operators also need to ensure that when consumers purchase radio equipment they are provided with the necessary information on its charging characteristics and charger compatibility. 

Next steps

The government decree enters into force on 28 December 2024. The decree will apply to laptops from 28 April 2026 onwards.

Inquiries

Fanni Thessler, Senior Officer, fanni.thessler(at)gov.fi, tel. +358 295 342 267