New European requirements about USB-C connector

A new draft Regulation has been published by the European Commission concerning ecodesign requirements for “the placing on the market or putting into service” of external power supplies (EPS), battery chargers for portable batteries of general use, wireless chargers, wireless charging pads and USB Type-C cables.
This will further standardize the use of USB-C associated products in the market, rather than only common chargers in the European Radio Equipment Directive (RED).

The key points in the new draft regulation are:

• Extending the scope to include wireless chargers and battery chargers for portable batteries and USB Type-C cable.
• Extending the scope to USB Type-C cables in order to limit their energy losses and inform consumers of the
  maximum power supported.
• Requiring EU 'Common Charger' logo (shown to the right above) to be affixed to USB Type-C chargers to inform
  consumers about their interoperability.
• Requiring USB Type-C chargers to operate with detachable cables and each port marked with the power supported.
• Introducing a general requirement for EPS to be USB Type-C chargers to power a range of products not covered by
  the Radio Equipment Directive in order to maximize interoperability.
• Raising the minimum thresholds for energy efficiency.
• Introducing a threshold for a minimum efficiency at 10% load.
• Requiring USB Type-C and USB PD power supplies to be tested without a cable and introducing a unique cable
  correction factor in order to ensure a level playing field for interoperable EPS.

The new regulation is planned to be made effective in Q3 2025, with a transition period of 3 years.
The public notification by the European Commission may be seen here.

For further information, please contact Kenny.Ho@nemko.com.

(The article is based on the information provided by Kenny Ho and edited by T.Sollie)