Belgium approves universal charger legislation

The Belgian federal government on Friday transposed into national law a European directive that will require every mobile phone to have a common charger from 2024, Telecommunications minister Petra De Sutter said.

The European Parliament last year approved the introduction of a universal charger for smartphones and other small electronic devices.

These devices will have to be equipped with a USB-C port from the end of 2024. Consumers will be able to choose whether or not they want to buy a new charger along with their device.

The Belgian government has approved a law amendment that will bring the measure into force next year.

The measure also applies to devices such as digital cameras, headphones, portable speakers, e-readers and tablets. For laptops, a universal charger will be mandatory from 2026, De Sutter said.

^{© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}