From 2028: EU expands USB-C mandate to chargers

The European Commission has revised the Ecodesign requirements for external power supplies (EPS). The new rules aim to increase consumer convenience, resource efficiency, and energy efficiency. Manufacturers have three years to prepare for the changes.

The new regulations apply to external power supplies that charge or power devices such as laptops, smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, and computer monitors. Starting in 2028, these products must meet higher energy efficiency standards and become more interoperable. Specifically, USB chargers on the EU market must have at least one USB Type-C port and function with detachable cables.

With the regulation, the EU is also establishing minimum requirements for the efficiency of power supplies with an output power of up to 240 watts that charge via USB Power Delivery (USB-PD), among other things, under other things, minimum requirements. Power supplies with an output power exceeding 10 watts will also have to meet minimum energy efficiency values in partial load operation (10 percent of rated power) in the future, which is intended to reduce unnecessary energy losses.

Savings

The measure aims to reduce the energy and environmental footprint associated with the manufacturing and use of these devices. According to the EU Commission, over 400 million power supplies are sold annually.

According to the Commission, the new requirements are expected to enable annual savings of around 3 percent of energy consumption over the lifecycle of external chargers by 2035. This corresponds to the energy consumed by approximately 140,000 electric cars in one year. Additionally, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to decrease by 9 percent and pollutant emissions by about 13 percent. The EU also calculates that consumer spending could decrease by around 100 million euros per year by 2035.

The EU Commission is convinced that improved interoperability of power supplies will also increase consumer convenience. To identify the standardized power supplies, they will bear an “EU-Common Charger” logo. The maximum power will also be easily recognizable on these.

Building on Existing EU Regulations

According to the EU, the expansion builds on the harmonization of charging ports and fast-charging technology for devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops as part of the revised Radio Equipment Directive. These additional changes to the Ecodesign Regulation for external power supplies impose corresponding requirements on their chargers and a broader use of the so-called “Common Charger” in general. According to the EU Commission, this is expected to make an additional 35 to 40 percent of the EU EPS market interoperable—in addition to the approximately 50 percent already assumed due to the Radio Equipment Directive.

Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen stated: “Common chargers for our smartphones, laptops, and other devices we use daily are a smart step that puts consumers at the center while reducing energy waste and emissions. The practical change we are introducing today for external power supplies will help Europeans save money while reducing our environmental impact.”

Timeline and Entry into Force

The new regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union in the coming weeks and will enter into force 20 days later. Manufacturers will then have three years, i.e., until the end of 2028, to adapt their products. It is just one of many further measures by the EU Commission to make electronic devices more sustainable.

Since December 28, 2024, the obligation for standardized USB-C charging cables applies in Germany and the entire EU for smartphones, digital cameras, headphones, tablets, and other devices. From the beginning of 2026, the requirement will be extended to laptops. Since June 20, 2025, smartphones and tablets must also carry an energy label with information on lifespan, robustness, battery efficiency, and repairability. Manufacturers are obliged to provide operating system and security updates for five years after the end of sales and keep spare parts available for up to seven years.

(afl)