The Federal Council introduces USB-C as a 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 unified charging standard at the beginning of 2024.

Other devices with wireless components such as e-readers, headphones, or digital cameras are also included in the requirements. To this end, the state government approved a review of the Telecommunications Systems Act (FAV) on Wednesday, the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) announced.

Catching up with the European Union

If necessary, devices must also be able to quickly charge using the “USB Power Delivery” standard. She added that manufacturers will have to inform consumers about the charging features of the device and whether a charging adapter is included. Manufacturers are also committed to offering devices without a charging adapter in their product ranges.

At the end of 2022, the European Union issued harmonized regulations for charging solutions for the aforementioned devices and gave member states about a year to implement corresponding measures. The partial revision of the FAV in Switzerland will be introduced at the same time.

This means that the agreement between Switzerland and the EU on the mutual recognition of conformity assessments remains applicable to telecommunications systems, Baucom said.

The goal: reduce electronic waste and carbon dioxide emissions

This would also lead to advantages for consumers in Switzerland, who could also benefit from a unified cross-border shipping standard. Switzerland also shares the sustainability and consumer goals associated with a unified shipping solution.

The current solution also contributes to reducing e-waste, the need for raw materials and carbon dioxide emissions in the manufacture, transportation and disposal of electrical appliances.

According to the announcement, the additional amendments relate to radio equipment regulations to ensure public safety as well as fee regulations in the satellite sector and local private broadband networks.

(seda)