The directive could also prompt manufacturers to explore more sustainable materials to reduce e-waste.
The impact will be far-reaching, affecting both primary and secondary smartphone markets.
CCS Insights estimates that 60 percent of secondhand smartphones will not support USB-C when the directive is implemented.
The EU is a major importer of used phones, primarily from the US, Japan, and Singapore.
The directive has been under development for years, with discussions about standardizing chargers launching in 2011.
In 2014, MicroUSB was initially approved as the connector design of choice.
The common charging standard was proposed in January 2020 and passed with 582 votes to 40.
