Legal background

On December 7, 2022, in order to solve a series of problems in the charging interface of electronic equipment, the European Union officially issued the revised directive Directive (EU) 2022/2380 on universal charging, and added Article 3(4) to supplement the provisions of 3.3(a) on the implementation measures of universal charging socket in the RED directive (Directive 2014/53/EU). The directive will be implemented on December 28, 2024.

On May 7, 2024, the EU officially issued the guidance document C/2024/2997, which further refined the relevant requirements for guiding the RED Common Charger directive on the basis of the revised directive (EU) 2022/2380.

According to Directive(EU)2022/2380, from December 28th, 2024, all designated electronic products sold in EU member countries must be equipped with USB Type-C charging interface conforming to EN IEC 62680-1-3 standard, and support fast charging technology conforming to EN IEC 62680-1-2 standard.

The directive covers the product range.

1、智能手機 Handheld mobile phones

2、平板電腦 Tablets

3、數碼相機 Digital cameras

4、無線耳機 Head phones

5、耳麥 Headsets

6、手持游戲機 Handheld videogame consoles

7、便攜式揚聲器 Portable speakers

8、電子書 E-readers

9、鍵盤 Keyboards

10、鼠標 Mice

11、便攜導航 Portable navigation systems

12、耳塞 Earbuds

13、筆記本電腦 Laptops

date of enforcement

◆ Since December 28th, 2024, it will be enforced in all EU member states.

◆ The implementation date of the new regulations for the 13th category of "notebook computer" products is April 28th, 2026.

The standard to which this directive applies.

1、EN IEC 62680-1-2：USB Power Delivery specification

★ A fast charging protocol based on CC channel in Type-C connector.

★ Electrical equipment and power supply equipment can negotiate and adjust the voltage, current and charging direction.

★ Power transmission system covering all components of USB system, including host, equipment, hub, charger and cable components. The architecture, protocol, power behavior, connectors and wiring required to manage USB power supply up to 240W are described.

★ This specification puts forward detailed requirements for electrical requirements, physical layer, protocol layer, system strategy, state and power rules.

2、EN IEC 62680-1-3：USB Type-C cable and connector specification

★ It involves three themes: Type-C connection, Type-C cable and Type-C protocol (function).

★ Pin definition, mechanical structure requirements, size requirements and electrical performance requirements.

★ Master-slave, power supply role definition, power supply capability, related handshake and state machine definition of Type-C equipment, etc.

★ There are independent chapters to describe and standardize the support of USB4 and Active Cable.

Main updated contents

1. The responsibilities and obligations of manufacturers, importers and distributors have been updated.

The new standard defines the responsibilities and obligations of manufacturers, importers and distributors in the process of production, sales and distribution of electronic products. Manufacturers need to be responsible for the design and manufacture of products to ensure that they meet the standard requirements; Importers and distributors need to be responsible for the sales and promotion of products to ensure that they meet the requirements of relevant laws and standards.

2. Mandatory USB Type-C charging interface that meets the standard.

The new standard requires that 13 kinds of electronic products that can be charged through cables must be equipped with USB Type-C charging interface conforming to EN IEC 62680-1-3:2021, and can be charged by charging cables conforming to the same standard. This regulation aims to improve charging efficiency and user experience, and reduce the generation of e-waste.

3. Devices supporting fast charging should conform to the standardized USB PD protocol.

For the equipment supporting fast charging, the new standard requires that it should conform to the USB PD(Power Delivery) protocol standardized by EN IEC 62680-1-2:2021. This regulation aims to ensure the safety and compatibility of fast charging equipment and improve charging efficiency.

4. Define USB Type-C socket, plug and cable.

IEC 62680-1-3:2021 standard defines new sockets, plugs, cables and detection mechanisms that are compatible with the existing electrical and functional specifications of USB interfaces. This definition covers the production and use of this new USB cable/connector solution in newer platforms and devices and the aspects needed for interoperability with existing platforms and devices.

5. When wireless products are sold and circulated in the EU market, you can choose whether to equip them with chargers, and make clear the instructions. The type and equipment of chargers should be reflected in the outer packaging or signs, and the information should be displayed in a readable and visible way. Where a should not be less than 7 mm.

★ The product is equipped with charger:

★ The product is not equipped with a charger:

★ Outer package or sign:

Where XX represents the minimum power specification (watts) required by the equipment when it is running, and YY represents the power specification (watts) that can realize the maximum charging speed when the equipment is running. If the device supports the USB Power Deliver charging standard, the word "USB PD" needs to be printed.

How to determine whether the product is within the mandatory scope of the directive?

1. Whether the product has wireless function;

2, whether the product is in the category of 13 kinds of products;

3. Whether the product has a rechargeable battery;

4. Whether the product is charged by wired means.

Type-C connector and wire IEC 62680-1-3 test item

1. Type-C connectors mainly focus on electrical, environmental, mechanical and signal integrity; The test items mainly include:

★ Electrical performance Electrical;

★ Environmental performance Environmental

★ Mechanical properties Mechanical

★ Signal Integrity signal integrity

2. Type-C wire mainly focuses on signal integrity, mechanical and electrical; The test items mainly include:

★ Signal Integrity signal integrity

★ Mechanical properties Mechanical

★ Electrical performance Electrical

IEC 62680 processing flow

1. Selection of certification body: Select an accredited certification body or testing laboratory;

2. Application submission: Submit the certification application to the certification body, and provide the required documents and materials, including product specifications, technical parameters, test samples, etc.

3. Laboratory test: The certification body tests the submitted samples to ensure that they meet the IEC 62680 standard.

4. Review and evaluation: the certification body reviews the submitted documents and test results to evaluate whether the products of the enterprise meet the requirements of the standard;

5. Obtaining certification: If it is approved, the certification body will issue the corresponding certification certificate to confirm that the enterprise products meet the IEC 62680 standard.

Warm tips

The compulsory implementation of IEC/EN 62680 directive will have a far-reaching impact on consumer electronic products in the EU market. In order to ensure that the products can enter the EU market smoothly after the mandatory implementation date, ZRLK suggests relevant enterprises to test the charging interface and fast charging protocol of the products about to enter the EU market as soon as possible to ensure that they meet the requirements of EN/IEC 62680 standard. Our company has a professional technical team and rich experience in product testing, which can help enterprises successfully complete relevant testing and certification. If you need it, please feel free to contact us, and our engineers will serve you at the first time!