The Indian government is reportedly moving towards mandating a universal charging port for smartphones and tablets sold in the country, similar to rules adopted by the European Union in 2022.
According to reports, this new regulation is expected to be implemented by June 2025, potentially extending to laptops by 2026.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is likely to soon require all device manufacturers to adopt a standardised charging port, with the USB Type-C connector being considered for the mandate.
This move aims to reduce electronic waste generated by the multitude of cables and adapters currently in use due to varying charging standards across devices.
While many Android smartphones have already adopted the USB Type-C connector, some tablets and accessories still use microUSB chargers.
Recent Apple iPhones and iPads have largely transitioned to Type-C chargers, though some MacBook models still utilise MagSafe technology alongside Type-C.
The EU's precedent-setting rule in 2022 influenced Apple's shift towards Type-C chargers for its devices, aligning with global efforts to standardize charging ports across electronic products.
Reports indicate that discussions on standardising charging ports in India have been ongoing since November 2022, involving stakeholders from industry associations, educational institutions, and major smartphone brands like Samsung and Apple.
This collaborative effort aims to streamline charging technologies while promoting sustainability in electronic manufacturing.
The government's push towards a unified charging port has also involved negotiations with Apple to reintroduce older iPhones with USB-C ports, despite concerns over potential disruptions to local production goals.
While specific timelines for implementation remain fluid, sources suggest that the mandate will first apply to smartphones and tablets by mid-2025, with laptops following suit by 2026.
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