
From today, 28 December, Austria will require all newly sold smartphones, digital cameras, headphones, speakers, tablets, portable navigation systems, mice, printers and video game consoles to use the USB-C connector.
The move follows the European Union’s decision to implement a common charging cable law in 2022. Laptops will be included in the new rule from 28 April 2026.
The Austrian legislation, which enacts the EU directive, was passed unanimously by parliament in May.
Benefits for Consumers
The primary benefit for consumers is financial savings and a reduction in electronic waste. With most electronic devices now using the same connector, chargers and cables can be reused across multiple devices. Manufacturers will provide details on power requirements for charging and whether fast charging is supported on product packaging. Additionally, any devices that support wireless charging will also be required to feature a USB-C port, in line with EU regulations.
US giant Apple, which had previously resisted the shift to USB-C, began to adapt with the release of its iPhone 15 and 16 models, aligning with the new EU standards.
Impact on Electronic Waste
The new rules are expected to reduce electronic waste in the EU by nearly 1,000 tonnes annually, with significant reductions in CO2 emissions. The European Commission expects that consumers will use their existing cables for longer and purchase fewer chargers. Currently, EU consumers spend approximately €250 million each year on unnecessary chargers.