Federal Council introduces USB-C as a uniform charging standard for electrical devices

In Switzerland, everyone should be able to use the same charger for different mobile phones, laptops or tablets from different manufacturers. The Federal Council will introduce USB-C as a uniform charging standard in early 2024.

Other devices with wireless components such as e-readers, headphones or digital cameras are also subject to the requirement. To this end, the state government on Wednesday approved the revision of the Telecommunications Systems Regulation (FAV), as announced by the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) on Wednesday.

The devices should also be able to be charged when necessary with fast charging using the “USB Power Delivery” standard. Manufacturers should inform consumers about what charging features the device has and whether a charging adapter is included, the report said. Manufacturers are also obliged to offer devices without a charging adapter in their range.

Ultimately, the European Union (EU) issued harmonized regulations for charging solutions for the mentioned devices and gave Member States about a year to take appropriate measures. At the same time, the partial revision of the FAV will be introduced in Switzerland. This means that the agreement between Switzerland and the EU on the mutual recognition of conformity assessments continues to apply to telecommunications systems, Bakom said.

Reduce electronic waste emissions

This would also benefit consumers in Switzerland, who could also benefit from a uniform charging standard across borders, the report said. Switzerland also shares the sustainability and consumer goals associated with the unified charging solution. The current solution also contributes to reducing electronic waste, raw material needs and CO2 emissions in the production, transportation and disposal of electrical appliances.

According to the announcement, further adjustments concerned the regulations for radio equipment to ensure public safety, as well as the reimbursement rules in the satellite sector and for broadband, local private networks.

(sda)