Goodbye tangled cables: obligation for charging cables applies to cell phones

From Saturday, only standardized USB-C-based connections and charging cables for smartphones, digital cameras and headphones will be allowed in Germany. The requirement also applies to tablets, portable video game consoles, keyboards, e-readers, navigation devices, headsets and portable speakers. From the beginning of 2026, the requirement will be extended to laptops in line with the relevant EU directive for a standardized connection. In April, the Bundesrat gave the green light for a corresponding amendment to the Radio Equipment Act, which the Bundestag passed in mid-March. The reform will take effect on December 28.

The approach is intended to help reduce cable clutter and tons of electronic waste as well as simplify the search for chargers. The standardization means that in future, cell phones and other registered devices can also be sold without a new charger. However, manufacturers must use pictograms on the packaging to clearly indicate whether or not a charging tool is included. Other performance characteristics must also be indicated. The background to this is the idea that consumers already use existing USB-C charging cables for a whole range of devices.

With the reform, the legislator has also linked the aim of enabling future harmonization in line with technological developments and, for example, to take into account "any non-cable charging systems", such as Qi. In addition to USB-C, the directive also provides for the "USB Power Delivery" protocol for wired charging.

Environmental aid calls for comprehensive eco design specifications

USB-C has become the de facto standard, especially for cell phones. Only Apple swore by the self-developed Lightning connector for a long time. In September 2023 , however, the US company presented new smartphones with a USB-C port for the first time with the iPhone 15. The US company also announced shortly before Christmas that it would be discontinuing older iPhones with Lightning ports.

Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) welcomes the implementation of the regulation. However, the new regulation is only a drop in the ocean, it said at the same time. The environmental and consumer protection organization is now calling for similar requirements for other eco design criteria. The EU should promote durability, ease of repair and recycling and the use of recycled materials in electrical appliances across the board.

Many electrical appliances often give up the ghost after a short time, cannot be repaired or cost too much to repair, complains the DUH. The EU therefore urgently needs to oblige manufacturers to adopt an environmentally friendly design so that short-lived electrical appliances finally disappear from the market. The EU Commission is currently drawing up binding requirements for various product groups as part of the Eco design Regulation. However, this is inefficient and slow, as these regulations only apply to a few electrical appliances.

(uma)