Chile has enacted a new regulation aimed at minimizing electronic waste and promoting convenience for consumers by standardizing charging methods across electronic devices.
Under Law No. 21.695, published in October 2024, the country has amended its Consumer Protection Law (Law No. 19.496) by adding Article 12 C, which emphasizes a core principle:
“One charger for multiple devices.”
Key Provisions of the Law:
Universal USB Type-C Port Requirement:
Any device that relies on wired charging must be equipped with a USB Type-C port. The charging port must always remain functional and accessible.
Consumer Purchasing Options:
Device manufacturers must provide the option for customers to buy products either with or without a charger, supporting greater consumer flexibility and environmental responsibility.
Transparent Information & Labelling:
Packaging, product descriptions, and user manuals must clearly indicate:
- Whether a charger is included (using a standardized icon),
- The device’s supported voltage range for safe charging,
- Compatibility with USB Power Delivery (USB PD) or similar charging protocols.
Devices Covered:
The new law applies to a broad spectrum of electronic devices, including:
- Smartphones and tablets
- Digital cameras
- Headphones and earphones
- Portable gaming devices and speakers
- E-readers
- Computer peripherals such as keyboards and mice
- Laptops and portable navigation systems
Exemptions:
The law does not apply to:
- Equipment used exclusively for defense, public safety, or national security
- Pre-owned or refurbished devices manufactured or imported prior to the law’s enforcement date
Standardization Timeline:
Chile’s national standardization body (INN) is required to adopt the relevant IEC standards — IEC 62680-1-2:2024 and IEC 62680-1-3:2024 — within three months of the law’s publication in the Official Gazette.
