USB-C is preparing to become the universal standard for mobile device chargers in France, starting this Saturday, December 28. This measure concerns not only smartphones, but also any small and medium-sized device such as cameras or headphones, reports phoneandroid.
Published in December last year, the decree provides that manufacturers must offer their customers the possibility of purchasing the charger separately and “indicate this using a pictogram”. For its part, the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) is responsible for verifying that they are indeed respecting these obligations.
Tablets, consoles, e-readers…
Other affected devices include tablets, gaming consoles, speakers, e-readers, portable navigation systems, keyboards, mice and e-readers. As for laptops, they will only be affected from April 26, 2026, which should give manufacturers time to comply.
As explained Numeramathis new law did not, however, cover the case of reconditioned devices. For example, old iPhones equipped with proprietary connectivity can no longer be imported into the country with a view to being reconditioned and then resold. Apple will also remove the iPhone SE (2022) and iPhone 14 from its stores.
11,000 tonnes less waste
Questioned on the question by our colleagues, the Ministry of Economy and Finance nevertheless indicated that “if a reconditioned smartphone is not equipped with a USB-C port, but has already had a first life in one of the EU countries before December 28, 2024, it can still be sold in the EU.
Based on a 2022 European Union directive, these changes should improve user comfort but also have an environmental impact. They aim in particular to reduce electronic waste produced each year by 11,000 tonnes, according to the European Commission.
