The standardized charging cable
As of December 28, 2024, the sale of many electronic devices in the EU is subject to some significant changes: Due to new EU regulations, USB-C connectors are now mandatory as standardized connector for a wide variety of devices. These changes were implemented with the amendment of the EU Radio Equipment Directive already as of October 1, 2023. They affect all sellers operating in the EU, irrespective of whether they use Amazon, their own online shop, or another marketplace.
If you are selling electronic devices, it is important for you to be prepared for the new regulation in order to avoid trouble. This blog post tells you everything you need to know about the new regulation, the devices affected, and how to prepare your business.
What is the new regulation about?
The objective of the EU is clear: Standardizing the connectors is supposed to put an end to the common cable spaghetti. For the users, this means less confusion because they no longer need a separate connector for every device. Furthermore, the EU has introduced this measure to reduce electronic waste. In the EU alone, old or unused chargers account for 11,000 tons of electronic waste per year.
The key aspect of the new regulation is the introduction of a universal connector: USB-C. Many state-of-the-art devices already use this connector, which offers high-speed data transmission and charging. With the EU Directive, USB-C has now become mandatory for all new devices put on the market after December 28, 2024.
Which devices are subject to the regulation?
A wide variety of electronic devices is subject to the new regulation, including:
- smartphones
- tablets
- e-readers
- digital cameras
- headphones and headsets
- wireless speakers
- hand-held consoles
- keyboards and mice
- navigation systems
Laptops are subject to the new regulations as well, but for them, the transitional period is longer, until April 2026.
Please note: The regulation applies for devices with wired chargers. Devices that can exclusively be charged wirelessly are exempt from the obligation.
What does this mean for you as an Amazon seller?
If you sell electronic devices, you are responsible for ensuring that your products comply with the new requirements. As of December 28, 2024, devices that are covered by the Directive may only be sold in the EU if they have USB-C connectors.
This has several consequences for your business:
- Product adaptation: If you are selling products without a USB-C connector, you should check whether and when your suppliers intend to make the required adaptations.
- Stock: You need to plan how to sell off any stock with non-compliant connectors in time. They may no longer be distributed as of the above-mentioned date.
- Clear product descriptions: Consumers increasingly appreciate sustainability in electronic devices. Pointing out the USB-C connector in your product descriptions helps to build trust and facilitate the customer’s decision to buy.
Advantages for your Amazon business
The transition to USB-C can be an opportunity for you to make your business more efficient and better meet the needs of your customers.
Advantages include:
- Greater customer satisfaction: Standardized connectors mean less frustrated consumers. Devices that are compatible with the customers’ existing charging devices are perceived as more attractive.
- Environmental protection as a selling point: The reduction of electronic waste is a great selling point for customers who care about the environment. You can use this in your marketing strategy to establish your products as sustainable and secure.
- Simpler logistics: With standardized connectors, supplies such as chargers and cables cause far less trouble. This can help you to optimize your warehousing and reduce the respective costs.
How to prepare
Some steps that you can take now to make sure that your business is well prepared for the new regulation:
- Check your portfolio: Review your product portfolio and identify all the devices that are subject to the new Directive. Watch out for those with wired charging.
- Communicate with suppliers: Contact your manufacturers and suppliers to make sure that they are able to comply with the new requirements. Check when you can expect them to supply devices with USB-C connectors.
- Sell off old stock: If your portfolio includes devices with other connectors, plan to sell them off before the effective date of the new Directive. Discounts and special promotions can help to reduce the stock.
- Product description and communication with customers: Review your product descriptions and point out the USB-C connector as a selling point. Make sure that your customers know they are buying a sustainable product.
- Training and monitoring: Stay up-to-date regarding the changing statutory requirements and market trends. Regular updates help you to react quickly to any development.
Devices that do not comply with the new requirements may no longer be sold in the EU after December 28, 2024. Failure to comply with this regulation can entail severe consequences:
- sales bans for the respective products
- possibly recalls at the seller’s expense
- fines and legal consequences
In order to avoid these threats, it is important for you to act quickly and ensure that your portfolio complies with the new provisions.
Conclusion: Opportunities and challenges for Amazon sellers
The introduction of a standardized charging cable in the EU constitutes a significant change that affects many sellers. But while the transition to USB-C may cause you some trouble at first, it offers numerous opportunities as well:
- You can establish your products as sustainable and environmentally compatible.
- Standardized charging connectors reduce frustration and improve the shopping experience for customers.
- The standardization can even save costs and simplify logistics in the long run.
As an Amazon or e-commerce seller, you should act now to pave the way for a smooth transition. Forward-looking planning and proactive communication allow you to not only comply with the statutory provisions, but establish a secure and sustainable business as well.
Ergo: Check your portfolio, talk to your suppliers, and prepare a strategy, and you will be well prepared for the new requirements and able to offer the best products to your customers.
We at Tradavo can help you
If you need help, please do not hesitate to contact us. Within the framework of an initial free consultation, we analyze your specific situation and find out how Tradavo can help you.
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Who wrote this article?
As an author, Christina fills the blog section of our website with exciting and informative articles, so that our readers can always take care of product compliance in their company in the most well-informed way.
