The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has come out with quality specifications for USB Type-C charger in order to provide a common charging solution for mobile phones, laptops, notebooks and other electronic devices that will help reduce electronic waste and make consumers’ lives easier.
“The Bureau of Indian standards has published Indian standard IS/IEC 62680-1-3:2022 USB Type-C Cable and Connector Specification. This Indian standard is adoption of existing International standard IEC 62680-1- 3:2022,” the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said in a statement on Monday.
The new standards published by the BIS specify requirements for USB Type-C port, plug and cables for use in various electronic devices like mobile phone, laptop and notebook, it said.
The new standard seeks to provide common charging solutions for the smartphones and other electronic devices sold in the country. This would facilitate in reduction in number of charger per consumer as consumers will no longer need to buy different chargers every time they buy a new device.
Different types of charging port, plug and cables create a lot of inconvenience for users. It leads to extra costs and an increase in e-wastes.
With a view to reduce e-waste, several countries have come out with guidelines to have a common charger for all electronic devices.
In June 2022, the European Union set a target to make USB Type-C as a common charging port for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras by autumn 2024.
Once the common charging solution is implemented consumers will not be required to buy charging device and cable every time they purchase a new device. A single charger can be used for all small and medium-sized portable electronic devices.
As per a guideline agreed by Parliament and Council negotiators in the European Union last year, mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers that are rechargeable via a wired cable will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of their manufacturer. Laptops will also have to be adapted to the requirements by 40 months after the entry into force.
Even if the charging port fits, a major concern remains about charging speed. This needs to be harmonised. The standard charger should allow users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.