USB-C is now mandatory for laptops sold in Europe — and that includes the UK
Every new laptop sold in Europe must now support USB-C charging. The rule took effect on April 28, 2026, covering all 27 EU member states plus the UK, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein under EU Directive 2022/2380. If you're buying a new laptop in Britain or anywhere in the EU, USB-C charging is now a legal requirement — not a marketing bonus.
The rule, plainly stated
The mandate applies to any laptop with a charging power threshold of 100W or below. That covers the vast majority of everyday machines: ultrabooks, business laptops, and mainstream consumer models from Apple, Dell, Lenovo, HP, and others. Manufacturers must also offer unbundled configurations — meaning a version of the laptop sold without a charger in the box. You are no longer required to pay for a charger you don't need.
The European Parliament estimates the unbundling rule alone will save EU consumers around €250 million per year. The European Commission adds that standardisation should eliminate roughly 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually — mostly redundant cables and proprietary power bricks.
What this means if you're buying in the UK
UK buyers now face a noticeably different shopping experience from US consumers. Apple's MacBooks for the EU and UK will ship without a charger per MacTrast, while US models continue to include 20W–140W adapters in the box. Retailers like Currys and Amazon.co.uk must manage separate inventory: unbundled EU/UK stock alongside bundled versions destined for non-EU markets.
The practical upside is real. One good USB-C cable can now charge your phone, tablet, and laptop — no more rummaging for the right brick before a trip. If you already own a capable USB-C charger (65W or above covers most laptops), you can skip buying a new one entirely.
Gaming laptops and workstations
High-powered machines get a partial exemption. Laptops drawing more than 100W — think ASUS ROG, MSI, or a Razer Blade with a discrete GPU — can still ship with a proprietary barrel-plug charger. But even those devices must include a USB-C port capable of charging, so you can top up in a pinch from a standard USB-C adapter per Guru3D.
What stays the same
The law has no retroactive effect. Laptops already on shelves, in warehouses, or sold second-hand are exempt — The Local confirms that used-device resellers are not bound by the April 28 deadline. Only new products entering the market after that date must comply. If you were eyeing an older model with a proprietary connector, it can still be sold legally — just don't expect much new stock of those to appear going forward.