The EU Parliament has given its final approval for the uniform USB-C charging standard for smartphones and many other devices.
Politicians voted almost unanimously on Tuesday for a regulation previously found by negotiators from Parliament and the EU states.
Accordingly, the new requirements will come into force in 2024.
In a last step, the EU states still have to agree, which is scheduled for October 24th.
However, this is considered a formality, as is the now confirmed majority in the European Parliament.
Legal requirements have long been the subject of debate.
More than ten years ago, the commission brought the charging cable issue up for the first time.
14 manufacturers – including Apple – agreed to a uniform standard for mobile phone power supplies in a voluntary commitment.
When it comes to the sockets in smartphones and tablet computers, three of what used to be several dozen types remain: USB-C, Apple’s Lightning connector and micro-USB.
In addition to mobile phones, numerous other devices are now also subject to the new rules.
These include tablets, digital cameras, headphones, speakers, e-readers, keyboards and mice.
According to information from the EU Parliament, the new guidelines should lead to consumers in the EU saving 250 million euros a year because unnecessary charger purchases would be avoided.