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The EU has officially adopted USB-C as the common charging standard.

EU consumers can now use a single USB-C charger for smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, gaming consoles, and other devices. In 2022, the European Parliament and member states approved a law requiring all small and medium-sized portable devices sold in the EU to use USB-C charging ports.

EU charging directive tackles fast charging and unbundled bricks

The USB-C requirement is just the beginning of the EU’s new charging rules. The directive also regulates fast charging, separates charging bricks from retail devices, and mandates better labelling. These changes aim to simplify life for gadget users in the EU, if implemented effectively, The Verge reports.

The directive’s broad scope affects both consumers and businesses, as it applies to all devices the EU defines as radio equipment—products designed to send or receive radio waves for communication or location purposes.

The regulation covers devices like phones, tablets, cameras, headphones, earbuds, portable speakers, gaming consoles, e-readers, keyboards, mice, and navigation systems that use wired charging and support up to 100W power delivery. For example, the 350W PlayStation 5 is exempt, while the 6W Nintendo Switch is included. Laptops are the exception, with compliance required by April 28, 2026.

Some areas remain unclear, as drones aren’t listed and may not fit into other categories like digital cameras. The European Commission plans to monitor market trends, fragmentation, and technological advancements to keep the list of devices updated and relevant.

The directive doesn’t cover wireless charging, but the European Commission aims to harmonize standards to avoid market fragmentation and reduce environmental impact. Despite some uncertainties, most consumer tech in the EU must now have a USB-C port. However, this only applies to the device side, as charging brick connections are not included.

New EU charging rules expected to save millions and reduce waste

Anna Cavazzini, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, described the new rules as a major step toward consumer convenience and environmental responsibility.

The directive aims to reduce the tons of waste generated by discarded chargers each year and save EU households an estimated €250 million by cutting unnecessary charger purchases. The Parliament also plans to monitor how manufacturers adapt to the changes.

Devices without USB-C ports that are already in circulation can still be sold in the EU if they are placed on the market for the first time before December 28th.

The EU defines “placed on the market” as when a manufacturer or importer first supplies a product to a distributor or end-user. The European Commission notes that manufacturers, importers, and distributors need time to use any rights they have under existing national or EU rules, such as selling stock made under previous standards.

One of the upcoming challenges is how the common charging solution will be enforced. This responsibility lies with individual member states, as they are in charge of market surveillance, The Verge points out.

Each country can use measures like fines and product withdrawals to enforce compliance, with the issue now being how these bodies will manage the influx of inexpensive tech from outside the EU.