The Indian Government has decided to make Type-C ports compulsory on electronic devices. As mentioned in the official press release published by the Government of India, the “industry should overcome inertia in adopting a uniform charging port in the interest of consumer welfare and prevention of avoidable e-waste.” 

Indian government forms sub-group for uniformity of charging port

This was stated by the Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Rohit Kumar Singh, at a meeting of the Central Inter-Ministerial Task Force to examine the uniformity issue in charging ports of electronic devices such as wearables and smartphones, among others.

The meeting in concern was attended by representatives from educational institutes like IIT Kanpur, IIT (BHU), the Manufacturers’ Association of Information Technology (MAIT), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). Varanasi and Central Government Ministries, including Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change. 

The release adds that the board presiding over the meeting agreed to adopt USB Type-C as a charging port for devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches and more. However, the board wants to deliberate a different charging port for feature phones, which would most likely be the Micro USB port. 

In addition, the government also suggests that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) may conduct a study to determine the impact of uniform charging ports in electronic devices concerning electronic waste. The release adds that the “uniformity in charging port is a step towards LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) mission launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at COP-26 which calls for ‘mindful and deliberate utilization.”

How can this impact the Indian smartphone industry?

As mentioned earlier, this decision comes after the European Union made it compulsory for all electronics brands to equip their devices with a USB-C port by 2024. Reports suggest that the Indian government might adopt a similar timeline for making Type-C ports compulsory on electronic devices. 

Now, let’s talk about how this may affect the electronics industry in the country. Lately, popular brands that sell wearables and other electronic devices have started incorporating the USB Type-C, even on affordable devices. Even entry-level smartphones are coming with USB-C ports these days. However, some brands use proprietary charging solutions on their laptops or smartphones, Cupertino-based Apple being one of them. 

For years, Apple has manufactured iPhones with a Lightning Port, whereas it ships iPads and MacBooks that are compatible with Type-C ports. Hence, even after purchasing products from the same brand, users must carry two different types of charging cables to power their iPhone and their iPad or MacBook. However, once the Government of India mandates the use of Type-C ports, Apple will have no option but to comply. 

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