Radio Equipment Directive (2022)

Directive (EU) 2022/2380 is a directive of the European Parliament and the European Council which was formally adopted on 23 November 2022 amending Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53.^[1] The directive mandates the use of USB-C as a universal charger using a standard USB-C to USB-C cable for smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld video game consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, and earbuds that use wired charging by the end of 2024, and laptops by 2026.^[2][3]

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The purpose of the directive is to reduce electronic waste by reducing the need for consumers to purchase different chargers for their equipment. The directive also allows the unbundling of a charger with a device when sold.

If such equipment is capable of being recharged by wired charging at voltages higher than 5 volts, currents higher than 3 amperes, or powers higher than 15 watts, the equipment must support the full functionality of USB Power Delivery.

It is considered a successor to the EU's common external power supply (2009–2014), a voluntary specification which used micro-USB as a standard connector.

The legislation was criticised by Apple, who argued in 2019 that a single standard would "freeze innovation rather than encourage it." Apple also noted that if a universal standard was not an existing standard, adoption of a new standard would lead to increased e-waste.^[4] Apple used its proprietary Lightning connector for many devices, but since 2023 it uses USB-C.