EU consumer group flags unsafe cheap phone chargers from Chinese platforms

The Spanish consumer watchdog OCU released a study of 54 inexpensive USB chargers sold on Chinese‑origin platforms Shein and Temu. Only two of the chargers met European Union safety standards, while the rest were prone to severe overheating that could damage smartphones or cause household fires. The test found that 14 chargers failed electrical safety tests due to excessive heat, and many lacked proper CE marking or correct voltage specifications, making their sale illegal in the EU.

The report also highlighted the importance of charger technology such as the USB‑PD PPS (Programmable Power Supply) protocol, which dynamically adjusts voltage to reduce heat and protect lithium‑ion batteries. Devices that support PPS, as seen on many modern phones, charge more safely and extend battery life. Consumers are advised to look for PPS labels, voltage‑range markings, or chargers built with gallium‑nitride (GaN) components rather than relying solely on wattage numbers.

The OCU urges EU authorities to increase market surveillance and enforce penalties on non‑compliant products, stressing that cheap chargers often compromise safety in favor of lower price.