By Michael Oleaga / m.oleaga@latinospost.com (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Aug 13, 2013 08:41 PM EDT

Apple is expanding its USB charger trade-in program to countries outside of China and the United States (U.S.). 

Apple started the tradeback program after reports surfaced of the safety issues involved when using its devices with third-party adapters.

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The program allows Apple customers to trade the third-party adapter for "properly designed adapters."

"Customer safety is a top priority at Apple," stated the Cupertino-based organization on Aug. 6. "That's why all of our products - including USB power adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod - undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world."

Starting Aug. 16, customers can drop their USB power adapters at an Apple Retail Store or an authorized Apple service provider.

"We will ensure that these adapters are disposed of in an environmentally friendly way," Apple noted.

Customers who trade-in their third-party adapter can purchase an authorized Apple USB power adapter for $10. To be eligible for the special price offer, the customer has to bring the USB power adapter and their iPhone, iPad, or iPod device for serial validation. The offer ends Oct. 18.

According to The Unofficial Apple Weblog, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom (U.K.) will be eligible for the tradeback program.

For Apple customers in Australia, it will cost $14 AUD for an authorized USB power adapter while $11 CAD for Canadians. In Japan, the price for an authorized USB power adapter is ¥1,000. Across France, Germany, and the U.K., it will cost €10.

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For the latest updates, follow Latinos Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO

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