UK to consider EU-style common charging cable standard

The UK may become the next country to adopt USB Type-C as a common charging standard

The UK is now considering whether to establish a new charging cable requirement for electronics. If enacted, the UK could establish a common charging cable standard for new electronic devices. This standard would undoubtedly be USB Type-C, matching the EU’s common charger standard.

The UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards has initiated a call for evidence. They seek the input of manufacturers, importers, distributors, and others to gather opinions on the matter. Through this consultation, the office aims to assess the benefits such a standard would bring and whether USB Type-C should be that common standard.

If the UK adopts a common charging standard, it will ultimately be following in the EU’s footsteps. Device manufacturers will already be adopting USB Type-C to become compliant with the EU’s rules. That means that many devices entering the UK will already have adopted USB Type-C as a charging standard. Even so, a UK standard would ensure that all devices in the UK market will be using a common charging standard.

The move to a common charging standard should ensure that users can charge a huge variety of devices using a single charging device. It also should reduce electronics waste, as proprietary chargers will no longer become useless after the lifespan of a specific device ends.

Currently, it is unknown how long it will take for the UK Office of Public Safety to complete its consultation or what its recommendations to the government will be.

You can join the discussion on the UK’s plans for a common charging cable on the OC3D Forums.