80% of USB chargers failed the NATCP product safety test

While 85% of products failed product safety tests in 2023 and 92% in 2024, last year’s rate stood at 87%. The high non-compliance rate justified the authority’s decision to inspect 200 types of USB chargers in two phases in 2026.

The preliminary results of the first phase of inspections paint a negative picture similar to that of previous years. During laboratory testing of 92 types of chargers, 74 products failed to meet the standard’s requirements, meaning that 80.4% of the products failed the tests. Given the popularity and widespread distribution of this product category, the sampling covered, among other places, electronics stores, specialty retailers, small shops operated from the Far East, and products offered by online retailers.

This year’s tests again cover critical safety aspects related to everyday use. For power supplies used to power and charge low-voltage devices, special attention must be paid to the isolation between the mains-voltage and low-voltage sections. This includes ensuring the insulation has adequate electrical strength and continuity, as well as maintaining sufficient spacing between conductive parts.

The risk of electric shock is primarily caused by failure to meet these requirements. In addition, the small size of the plug, as well as the improper design of the adapter sockets in chargers combined with car adapters, can also cause electric shock. During the testing, the laboratory checked the adequacy of the insulation, the dimensions of the plug, and, for products combined with car adapters, their design.

Based on inspection findings, it is advisable to purchase chargers primarily from specialty stores and electronics retailers. The NATCP recommends that consumers purchase USB chargers from reputable retailers whenever possible, avoid suspiciously cheap products of unknown origin, and immediately stop using a charger if it malfunctions or overheats.

The purpose of laboratory testing is for consumer protection authorities to remove dangerous products from the market, as these defects can only be detected under laboratory conditions using specialized equipment. The NATCP and government agencies are committed to ensuring that consumers can purchase only electrical equipment that is safe and fully compliant with all relevant standards.