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The EU’s common-charger rules are in force: they have applied to covered portable devices since 28 December 2024 and to laptops since 28 April 2026. For devices within scope, the rules require a USB-C charging port, set charging and consumer-information requirements, and let buyers choose a device without a bundled charger. They apply to products placed on the EU market—not worldwide—and do not require anyone to replace older devices or chargers.

Which devices must have USB-C in the EU?

The requirements apply to listed radio equipment capable of wired charging when it is placed on the EU market. The application date depends on the product category:

Applies from Covered device categories
28 December 2024 Handheld mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, mice and portable navigation systems.
28 April 2026 Laptops.

These dates are set by Directive (EU) 2022/2380, which amended the Radio Equipment Directive. The Commission’s guidance on interpreting the rules explains that the listed equipment is covered when it can be recharged by wired charging.

What does the USB-C rule require?

A covered device must have a harmonised USB Type-C charging receptacle. The rule does not ban a device from having another charging receptacle as well, provided it also has the required USB-C port.

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The mandate establishes a common baseline, not identical charging speed for every device. For equipment requiring more than 15 W, USB Power Delivery support is required. For charging up to 15 W, harmonised USB power-supply options apply. Where a device also uses another charging protocol, the Commission guidance requires USB Power Delivery to retain full functionality. In practice, a USB-C plug alone does not tell you the maximum charging speed: that depends on the device’s supported wattage and protocols, as well as the charger.

Can one USB-C charger charge devices from different brands?

Often, if the charger meets the device’s requirements. The Commission says compatible USB-C chargers can be used across brands, but the common connector does not guarantee that every charger will provide a device’s maximum charging speed or support its required protocol.

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Before using or buying a charger, check:

  • That it has a USB-C connector compatible with the device.
  • Whether the device requires USB Power Delivery, particularly if its charging requirement exceeds 15 W.
  • The device’s supported charging wattage and any specified protocol.
  • Whether you already own a suitable charger and cable.

The rules do not require consumers to buy a new charger. The point of allowing devices to be sold without one is that a compatible charger may already be in use.

Does a new phone or other covered device have to include a charger?

No. Buyers can choose a covered device without a bundled charger. Packaging must indicate whether a charger is included and provide information about charging capability and compatible chargers. Some charging information can be provided electronically, for example through a QR code. The Commission’s overview of the EU common charger describes these consumer-information measures.

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Do people need to replace older chargers or cables?

No. The EU rules do not require consumers to discard older devices, chargers or cables simply because they lack the harmonised solution. The requirements concern covered equipment placed on the EU market; they are not a recall of products or accessories already in use.

The Commission’s overview says it will report by 28 December 2026 on whether charger unbundling should extend to cables and/or become mandatory. That is a future policy review, not a current requirement to sell devices without cables. Separately, the Commission’s 30 June 2026 report says complementary ecodesign requirements for external power supplies are to apply from 14 December 2028. These future measures do not change the consumer rules described above.

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  • Testing conducted by Apple in August 2024 using preproduction iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max units and software, and Apple MagSafe Chargers (1-meter Model A2580 and 2-meter Model A3250) with Apple USB-C Power Adapter (30W Model A2164). Fast-charge testing conducted with drained iPhone units. Times measured from the appearance of the Apple logo as the unit started up. Charge time varies with settings and environmental factors; actual results will vary.
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Where do the rules apply, and what is their purpose?

The common-charger requirements apply within EU Member States and do not have extraterritorial application. They are not a worldwide USB-C mandate.

The Commission estimates that reducing the production and disposal of new chargers could cut e-waste by 980 tonnes per year. In its 28 December 2024 announcement, it separately estimated that discarded and unused chargers account for about 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually and projected consumer savings of approximately €250 million a year from avoiding unnecessary charger purchases. Those are Commission estimates, not measured outcomes guaranteed for individual households; the 11,000-tonne figure describes existing charger waste, while 980 tonnes is an estimated reduction attributable to the policy.

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For the legal text, see Directive (EU) 2022/2380. The Commission’s implementation and consumer details are in its guidance notice and common-charger overview; its 2026 report is available at COM(2026) 329 final.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.