The Union IT ministry may direct all device makers to adopt uniform charging ports in the coming weeks, said one of the three people, all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity.
“USB-C or Type C charging port will be made mandatory for smartphones and tablets from June next year. Feature or basic phones, hearing aids and wearables will be left out for now,” the second person added.
The push for a standard cable and charger for multiple devices, initiated by the European Union in 2022, aims to save costs and reduce growing electronic waste.
For laptops, the USB-C port mandate will take effect from the end of 2026, the person said, adding that the deadlines were set after discussions with industry and manufacturers. “India applies the same standards as the EU, but provides an additional six months to allow all players to comply,” the first person said.
The proposal follows a similar playbook adopted by the European Union, with the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs recommending Type-C ports for all devices. “All phone manufacturers will be legally required to adhere to the standards, and ignoring these standards will attract fines under the Consumer Protection Act,” a third person said. The IT ministry's decision may include a clause for makers of basic phones and other devices to voluntarily integrate Type C ports, the person added.
The Type C charging port connects with a Type C cable that has the same connector on both ends, so it can be connected from either side. While consumers can save costs by using a single cable and charger for multiple devices, manufacturers will also gain as their supplies and purchasing are streamlined to a single part instead of multiple components specific to the charging port. The move will also help slow the growth of e-waste, the person added.
Leading phone maker Xiaomi welcomed the development. “This is a customer-focused and environmentally conscious step that reduces e-waste. With a single charger and cable, consumers can easily power multiple devices, reducing the hassle of carrying separate chargers. This unified standard also streamlines service and repair processes for businesses, eliminating complications due to diverse charging interfaces,” said Muralikrishnan B, President, Xiaomi India.
“Oppo India is working with the Indian government on introducing a unified charging port for electronic devices. This uniformity can reduce costs for consumers and help reduce avoidable e-waste,” said Savio D'Souza, director of product communications at Oppo India.
“E-waste management is closely aligned with Oppo India's green initiatives. As users throw away fewer incompatible chargers, the amount of electronic waste ending up in landfills decreases, mitigating the harmful effects on our ecosystems. Standardization also leads to more efficient recycling processes, as fewer types of materials need to be sorted and processed,” D'Souza said.
Email queries to spokespersons of the IT and Consumer Affairs ministries, as well as device makers Vivo, Samsung, Apple and the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) went unanswered.
“This step should have taken place much earlier. It had been discussed internationally at the highest level for more than ten years. It is a relief that all mobile phone manufacturers have agreed to a uniform mobile charger,” said Ashim Sanyal, CEO of Consumer VOICE, a non-governmental organisation.
“As the world faces an e-waste crisis, switching to a unified mobile charger will help reduce e-waste. It will also help businesses save costs, besides reducing the burden on consumers associated with buying chargers along with mobile phones,” Sanyal said.
“Currently, devices use different charging ports, requiring a separate charger for each port, making management and maintenance problematic. The government's decision will reduce the need to produce excessive chargers and cables, thereby addressing environmental concerns surrounding recycling,” said Dr. Suneel Pandey, director of circular economy and waste management at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
“Often the device is at the end of its life, but the charger is still functional and can be used. This will reduce unnecessary waste generation,” Pandey added.
