The EU's USB-C Mandate Is Now in Force

Nearly all new electronic devices sold in the EU must now support USB-C charging. The mandate came into force on December 28, 2024 and was celebrated by the European Commission on X.

It's time for THE charger. Today, the USB-C becomes officially the common standard for charging electronic devices in the EU. It means better-charging technology, reduced e-waste, and less fuss to find the chargers you need.

The EU's Common Charger Directive was approved by the Council of the EU in October 2022. Manufacturers were given a transition period to adjust their designs and ensure compliance, but from 28 December 2024, the rules apply to all mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and earbuds sold in the EU. From 28 April 2026, they will also apply to laptops.


The EU touts the following benefits of mandating a Common Charger:

● Increasing consumer convenience: You can charge your mobile phone and other similar electronic devices with one USB-C charger, regardless of the device brand.
● Reducing e-waste: Discarded and unused chargers account for about 11 000 tonnes of e-waste annually. The new rules encourage reusing chargers, which helps to reduce the environmental footprint.
● Saving money: You can now buy new electronic devices without a charger. This will help consumers save approximately €250 million a year on unnecessary charger purchases.
● Harmonising fast charging technology: New rules help to ensure that charging speed is the same when using any compatible charger for a device.

While the idea of common charger appears to offer an added level of convenience for customers, critics correctly note it stifles innovation and limits the ability for manufacturers to develop and adopt new wired charging technologies and ports that could outperform USB-C in efficiency, speed, sustainability, or practicality.

Notably, this directive has forced Apple to stop selling its iPhone 14 series and the iPhone SE in stores across Europe. Newer iPhone models have a USB-C port in compliance with the mandate.