Common Charger

In July 2022 the EU released Directive (EU) 2022/2380 to amend the Radio Equipment Directive (RE-D) and add a new set of essential requirements under Article 3.4. This new article 3.4 created essential requirements for a common charger interface for most portable consumer electronics equipment specifically the USB Type-C® interface.

The EU estimates €2.4 billion ($2.6 billion) is spent annually on standalone chargers and that the total amount of disposed of and unused chargers are estimated to pile up to 11,000 tonnes of e-waste. The main purpose of these common charger requirements is to reduce those numbers (refer to the EU Press release). In addition to adopting a common charging interface article 3.4 requires that manufacturers offer consumers the option to purchase devices without the charger.

Thirteen categories of devices fall within the scope of the article 3.4 essential requirements:

Devices within these categories that are placed on the EU market after 28 December 2024 must comply with the common charger requirements (*the exception is laptop computers which are given until April 2026 before they need to comply).

Compliance

To comply the device must be compatible with standard USB-C charging capabilities detailed in EN IEC 62680-1-3:2022 and, if it supports fast-charging, the USB-C capabilities detailed in EN IEC 62680-1-2:2022. The original amending directive references the 2021 versions of the two standards and the EU update the versions through Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1717.

Although manufacturers can still offer bundled packages that include a charger in the box, article 3.4 requires manufacturers make available the device without a charger. There are also requirements for labeling on the packaging and information in sales material (for online sales) to indicate the necessary power ratings of a charger compatible with the device and to clearly show when a charger is or is not included in the box.

Manufacturers declare compliance with article 3.4 through their Declaration of Conformity (DoC). As with articles 3.1(a) and 3.1(b) the use of a Notified Body Type Examination Certificate is not mandatory to support the declaration of compliance with article 3.4. Justification for compliance with the article 3.4 requirements does need to be included in your technical file. UL Solutions performs assessment against the USB-C standards and can also provide certification against the USB implementers Forum (USB-IF) as one way of demonstrating compatibility with the USB-C interface. Other solutions include interoperability testing, review of the design and manufacturer design validation tests.

Interoperability testing for USB Type-C®/ USB-IFUL Solutions can support your USB-C Common Charger testing needs. Take advantage of our Interoperability Testing program and add our report to your technical files to demonstrate that your product is compatible with USB chargers. This solution can help ensure customer satisfaction and protect your brand image in one simple report.

UL Solutions also offers complete assessment against the EN IEC 62680-1-3:2022 and EN IEC 62680-1-2:2022 USB design standards using the USB implementers Forum (USB-IF) test protocols.

From complete USB-IF certification to a USB charging interoperability test suite designed specifically towards the common charger requirements, UL Solutions can provide you with a third-party assessment that will support your EU Declaration of Conformity and help ensure satisfied customers.