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EU common charger rule: USB-C for phones from 2024 and laptops from 2026

Since 28 December 2024, handheld mobile phones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers and other small rechargeable devices sold in the EU must use USB-C as the charging port, and laptops followed on 28 April 2026. Fast charging is harmonised, consumers can buy a device without a charger, and the packaging must show whether a charger is included and what power the device needs.

Checked against official sources: 2026-10

At a glance

LawDirective (EU) 2022/2380 amending the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU; Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1717 on the technical specifications
From 28 December 2024Handheld mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, earbuds, portable speakers, handheld videogame consoles, e-readers, keyboards, mice and portable navigation systems
From 28 April 2026Laptops
PortUSB-C, so any USB-C charger works with a covered device regardless of brand
Fast chargingHarmonised, so a device charges at the same speed with any compatible charger
UnbundlingConsumers can buy a new device without a charger
InformationPictogram showing whether a charger is included (Annex Ia Part III) and a label on charging power and fast charging (Annex Ia Part IV)
NextExternal power supplies Regulation (EU) 2025/2052 applies from 14 December 2028

What the rules require

Two amendments to the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU set the common charging rules: Directive (EU) 2022/2380, which sets the requirements, and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1717, which updates the technical specifications for wired charging. USB-C is the common port, and fast charging technology is harmonised so that a device charges at the same speed with any compatible charger.

Consumers can buy a new device without a new charger. The Commission estimates that, together with the other measures, this cuts electronic waste by 980 tonnes a year and saves consumers at least EUR 250 million a year on unnecessary chargers.

Devices covered

Packaging information and what comes next

Producers must give visual and written information on charging: one of two pictograms showing whether a charger is included (Annex Ia Part III) and a label on charging capabilities, including the power the device needs and whether it supports fast charging (Annex Ia Part IV). In Ireland, for example, ComReg enforces the rules as market surveillance authority for the Radio Equipment Directive.

Separately, the External Power Supplies Regulation (EU) 2025/2052, adopted on 13 October 2025, applies from 14 December 2028. A Commission report of 30 June 2026 identified seven more product categories that could be covered, and a report on cable unbundling is due by 28 December 2026.

Step by step

  1. Check whether your product is in a covered category and whether it is sold in the EU from 28 December 2024, or 28 April 2026 for laptops.
  2. Make sure the device has a USB-C charging port that meets the technical specifications updated by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1717.
  3. Decide whether to sell the device with or without a charger, since EU consumers must be able to buy it without one.
  4. Print the correct pictogram, charger included or not included, and the charging label with the power required and fast charging support on the packaging.
  5. Update the technical documentation and EU declaration of conformity under the Radio Equipment Directive.

Documents you usually need

Common problems and how to avoid them

A phone or earbuds still use a proprietary or micro-USB port.

What to do: Covered devices placed on the EU market from 28 December 2024 must use USB-C.

A laptop launched in 2026 has only a proprietary charging port.

What to do: Laptops are covered from 28 April 2026 and need USB-C charging.

The device is sold only in a box with a charger.

What to do: Consumers must be able to buy the device without a charger; offer a version without one.

The packaging has no charging information.

What to do: Add the pictogram showing whether a charger is included and the label with the power required and fast charging support.

Sources

  1. One common charging solution for all European Commission
  2. Common Charger Directive ComReg (Commission for Communications Regulation, Ireland)
  3. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1717 EUR-Lex

Rules change often. This note is practical guidance based on the sources above, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority, your importer or a licensed customs broker before you ship.

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Trade notes

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Common questions

Which devices must use USB-C in the EU?

Since 28 December 2024, handheld mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, earbuds, portable speakers, handheld videogame consoles, e-readers, keyboards, mice and portable navigation systems; laptops since 28 April 2026.

Do I still have to include a charger in the box?

No. The rules let consumers buy a new device without a charger, and the packaging shows with a pictogram whether one is included.

What law sets the common charger rules?

Directive (EU) 2022/2380, which amends the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU, with technical specifications updated by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1717.

What must the packaging show?

A pictogram showing whether a charger is included and a label with the power the device needs and whether it supports fast charging.

Do chargers themselves have to change?

A separate External Power Supplies Regulation (EU) 2025/2052 applies from 14 December 2028.

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