Adopting USB Type-C charging ports as the standard chargers will lessen the burden on consumers to buy different charging devices every time they buy a new electronic device.
The Bureau of Indian Standards, or BIS, has come out with quality standard guidelines for USB Type-C charging ports. The USB Type-C will be mandated as the common charging port for mobiles, smartphones, and tablets; manufacturers are directed to adopt the standard charger by March 2025, according to reports.
“In the last meeting, a broad consensus had emerged among stakeholders on the adoption of USB Type – C as a charging port for, smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. The BIS has notified standards for Type C charger,” Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh told PTI and as read on Gadgets 360.
“There is a global supply chain at play when it comes to chargers, therefore we have to align ourselves with the global timeline,” Singh said and as read on The Economic Times. He added that the directive will kick in India in three months after the EU which is March 2025.
The European Parliament, in October, voted in favor of the rule mandating brands to use the USB type-C port as a common charger by 2024 on all devices. The parliament gave brands a timeline of 24 months to switch their devices to USB-C ports.
USB Type-C chargers are used mainly by Android-based devices and adoption of the same could hurt Apple the most. Following the EU’s order, Apple announced that it will be changing its primary cable for the upcoming iPhones to a common USB-type C charging cable as it has “no choice.” As per EU regulation, even previous devices launched with ports like Apple’s Lightning connector will not be officially allowed to be up for purchase in Europe after the deadline.
EU’s move came amid strong demand for the adoption of USB Type-C charging ports as it will lessen the burden on consumers to buy different charging devices every time they buy a new electronic device. In addition to this, a single charger policy will help reduce e-waste.
Back home, it will reduce the threat of India becoming a dumping ground of such chargers at a time when several other countries are mulling over adopting a one-charger-for-all-devices policy. Other common chargers will be adopted for wearable electronic devices. For this purpose, the Indian Institute of Technology – Kanpur is assigned the task to study and submit a report on standard charging ports for wearable devices like smartwatches, etc.
