From the end of 2028, all EU charging devices must have at least one USB-C port and a detachable cable

The European Commission has approved new requirements for external power supplies, which will come into effect at the end of 2028. According to the updated Ecodesign regulation, all chargers up to 240 W sold in the EU must support USB-C and have a detachable cable. This expands the scope of the Common Charger standard, previously applied to smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

What's known

By the end of the three-year transition period, all external power supplies (for smartphones, laptops, routers, monitors, etc.) must have at least one USB-C port. Devices over 10 W are required to meet new energy efficiency standards under partial load — to reduce energy loss.

Chargers with USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) support will have separate efficiency requirements.

The European Commission document states that standardized chargers will be labeled “EU Common Charger” indicating the maximum power.

The expansion will additionally cover 35–40% of external power supply (EPS) devices, complementing the previously covered 50% due to the radio equipment directive.

According to the European Commission, the new rules will reduce energy consumption by 3% over the lifecycle of devices — equivalent to the annual consumption of 140,000 electric cars.

Greenhouse gas emissions are expected to decrease by 9% and pollutants by 13%. Thanks to the standardization of chargers, consumers are expected to save up to €100 million a year by 2035.

Recall that from December 2024, USB-C is mandatory for smartphones, cameras, and headphones, and from 2026 for laptops. From June 2025, devices must also have energy labeling with information on lifespan, battery, and repairability.

Source: European Commission