BACKGROUND
Back on April 16, 2014, the European Union issued the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED), in which Article 3(3)(a) stipulated that radio equipment should comply with the basic requirements for connection with universal chargers. The interoperability between radio equipment and accessories such as chargers can simply the use of radio equipment and reduces unnecessary waste and costs and that developing a common charger for particular categories or classes of radio equipment is necessary, in particular for the benefit of consumers and other end-users.
Subsequently, on December 7, 2022, the European Union issued the amending directive (EU) 2022/2380 – the Universal Charger Directive, to supplement the specific requirements for universal chargers in the RED directive. This revision aims to reduce electronic waste generated by the sale of radio equipment and minimize raw material extraction and carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the production, transportation, and disposal of chargers, thereby promoting a circular economy.
To better advance the implementation of the Universal Charger Directive, the European Union issued the C/2024/2997 notification on May 7, 2024, which serves as a guidance document for the Universal Charger Directive.
The following is an introduction to the content of the Universal Charger Directive and the guidance document.
Scope of application:
There are a total of 13 categories of radio equipment, including smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, handheld video game consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and laptops.
Specification:
Radio equipment should be equipped with USB Type-C charging ports that comply with the EN IEC 62680-1-3:2022 standard, and this port should remain accessible and operable at all times.
Ability to charge the device with a wire that complies with EN IEC 62680-1-3:2022.
Radio equipment that can be charged under conditions exceeding 5V voltage/3A current/15W power should support the USB PD (Power Delivery) fast charging protocol in accordance with EN IEC 62680-1-2:2022.
Requirements of label and mark
（1）Mark of charging device
Regardless of whether the radio equipment comes with a charging device or not, the following label must be printed on the surface of the packaging in a clear and visible manner, with the dimension “a” being greater than or equal to 7mm.
Radio equipment with charging devices radio equipment without charging devices
（2）Label
The following label should be printed on the packaging and manual of the radio equipment.
- ”XX” represents the numerical value corresponding to the minimum power required to charge the radio equipment.
- ”YY” represents the numerical value corresponding to the maximum power required to arrive at the maximum charging speed for the radio equipment.
- If radio equipment support fast charging protocols, it is necessary to indicate “USB PD”.
Implementation time:
The mandatory implementation date for the other 12 categories of radio equipment, excluding laptops, is December 28, 2024, while the implementation date for laptops is April 28, 2026.
Guidance document
The guidance document explains the content of the Universal Charger Directive in the form of Q&A, and this text excerpted some important responses.
Issues about the scope of application of directive
Q: Does the regulation of the RED Universal Charger Directive only apply to charging equipment?
A: Yes. The Universal Charger Regulation applies to the following radio equipment:
The 13 categories of radio equipment specified in the Universal Charger Directive;
The radio equipment equipped with removable or built-in rechargeable batteries;
The radio equipment capable of wired charging.
Q: Does the radio equipment with internal batteries fall under the regulations of the RED Universal Charger Directive?
A: No, the radio equipment with internal batteries that are directly powered by alternating current (AC) from the mains supply is not included in the scope of the RED Universal Charger Directive.
Q: Are laptops and other radio equipment requiring a charging power of more than 240W exempted from the regulation of Universal Charger?
A: No, for radio equipment with a maximum charging power exceeding 240W, a unified charging solution with a maximum charging power of 240W must be included.
Questions about directive charging sockets
Q: Are other types of charging sockets allowed in addition to USB-C sockets?
A: Yes, other types of charging sockets are permissible as long as the radio equipment within the scope of the directive is equipped with the required USB-C socket.
Q: Can the 6 pin USB-C socket be used for charging?
A: No, only USB-C sockets specified in the standard EN IEC 62680-1-3 (12, 16, and 24 pin) can be used for charging.
Questions regarding directive charging protocols
Q: Are other proprietary charging protocols allowed in addition to USB PD?
A: Yes, other charging protocols are allowed as long as they do not interfere with the normal operation of USB PD.
Q: When using additional charging protocols, is it allowed for radio equipment to exceed 240W of charging power and 5A of charging current?
A: Yes, provided that the USB-C standard and USB PD protocol are met, it is allowed for radio equipment to exceed 240W of charging power and 5A of charging current.
Questions regarding detaching and assembling charging devices
Q: Can radio equipment be sold with charging devices?
A: Yes, it can be sold with or without charging devices.
Q: Does the charging device provided separately to consumers from the radio equipment have to be identical to the one sold in the box with?
A: No, it is not necessary. Providing a compatible charging device is sufficient.
TIPS
To enter the EU market, radio equipment must be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port that complies with the EN IEC 62680-1-3:2022 standard. Radio equipment that support fast charging must also comply with the USB PD (Power Delivery) fast charging protocol as specified in EN IEC 62680-1-2:2022. The enforcement deadline for the remaining 12 categories of devices, excluding laptop computers, is approaching, and manufacturers should promptly conduct self-checks to ensure compliance.
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