Public consultation is opened by Anatel to discuss rules for chargers in the country. See more.
This week, the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) prepared a new public consultation on the proposal to standardize cell phone chargers sold in Brazil using USB-C ports. The proposal is based on similar decisions made in other countries, including Europe and the United States, and aims to make life easier for consumers. In addition, the idea is also to reduce electronic waste.
The consultation is a continuation of the actions that have been under discussion since last year in the country. Since 2022, many technology companies have been notified, and even fined, as was the case with Apple, regarding their products. Continue reading and better understand what will change in the smartphone market in Brazil.
General change
The National Telecommunications Agency began public consultations last Tuesday (6) to reevaluate the technical requirements for cell phone chargers. The process follows a previous review request set for 2022, with a new proposal to also standardize vehicle chargers for the Brazilian 3-pin standard, in addition to cell phone chargers.
It is worth remembering that, at the beginning of June last year, the European Parliament issued a new decision which aims to standardize mobile phone chargers to have a USB Type-C cable charging interface. The decision follows a new law that will apply to all smartphones in the region from 2024.
The major impact of this decision is mainly on Apple devices, the iPhone. Both abroad and in Brazil, apple company may be the most affected by the changes. The new law also applies to other electronic devices, such as tablets, headphones, cameras, e-readers and other devices.
Anatel public consultation
The public consultation will be open for 70 days and follows the publication of Law 5.159/22 of 2022, which has been criticized for creating testing procedures that do not correspond to the reality of the product. For example, vehicle charger manufacturers claim that some procedures do not correspond to their tests. Wall charger manufacturers report that their mechanical testing standards are too strict and also do not correspond to the reality of the product.
In other words, with the application of the 2022 standard, many products that have been on the market for years will not pass the test, even if there are no structural problems.
Requirements are reviewed
Laboratories accredited by Anatel confirm the need to obtain more detailed information about standardization. This is because devices that do not pass the company's test will not be approved for sale in Brazil, which is very serious.
In response, the agency revised its previous requirements, and the new proposal requires vehicle chargers to meet only minimum requirements, such as overheating protection.
Furthermore, USB ports with chargers will not require authentication. According to the Telesíntese website, this is after tests have proven their durability and reliability in everyday situations. Some tests are to verify whether or not a part will come loose after 5,000 attempts to connect and disconnect, or to verify whether it can withstand up to 100 free falls without damage. In addition, Anatel also provides requirements for inductive chargers to meet the standards established by the US Department of Communications.
