The United Kingdom is weighing a move to USB-C as a universal charging standard for mobile devices. The UK Product Safety and Standards Agency has opened consultations with manufacturers, importers, distributors and trade associations to examine how a standard USB-C connector could be adopted in the country. The process is being guided by input from the broader device supply chain, with the aim of simplifying charging options for consumers and reducing waste generated by incompatible chargers.
If the UK does not adopt USB-C and instead creates a separate standard, most manufacturers are likely to supply adapters rather than releasing new device variants. A standardized charger rule could benefit businesses by easing compliance, aid consumers with cross-device compatibility, and help the environment by cutting redundant chargers. The consultation notes that shared charging ports could lower bulk at retailers, improve recycling efficiency, and support accessibility for people who own multiple devices.
Across the European Union, a long-standing policy now requires USB-C for many devices. The change came into effect in 2024, with devices sold in the bloc needing a USB-C port by law. Apple responded by adopting USB-C on iPhone models introduced since recent years, aligning with the regulation and ending the need for multiple ports on one consumer device. The move is expected to ripple through the electronics market, encouraging accessories makers to design compatible cables and chargers that work across brands and regions.
India has signaled a similar path, with planning in place to introduce USB-C across mobile devices in the coming years and to expand to laptops later on. The aim is to reduce charging clutter and improve cross-border compatibility for tech products sold in the Indian market. As with the EU, this shift requires coordination with device makers and retailers to ensure availability of USB-C accessories and compliant power delivery standards.
USB Type-C, commonly known as USB-C, is a compact, reversible 24-pin connector that serves as a universal interface for USB devices and cables. The connector supports data transfer, power delivery and video signals and has been in widespread use since 2014. Its design enables higher power levels and faster charging through standards like USB-C Power Delivery, enabling smaller devices to charge as efficiently as larger laptops.
Industry observers note that the USB-C transition fits into a broader trend toward universal charging in consumer electronics, a change supported by retailers, manufacturers and regulators alike. The shift promises simpler experiences for customers in Canada, the United States and beyond, while helping manufacturers streamline product lines and reduce waste.