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EU’s 'common charging' rules now in force

The EU’s 'common charging' requirements for mobile phone and other similar electronic devices have come into effect since 28 December.

These requirements will also apply to laptops as of 28 April 2026, to allow industry sufficient time to adapt.

EU regulations on standardised charging ports for mobile phones and other portable electronic devices mean that all new devices sold in the EU must now support USB-C charging.

This will reduce the number of chargers consumer need, helping minimise electronic waste, and increasing consumer convenience.

Discarded

Discarded and unused chargers account for about 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually. The new rules encourage reusing chargers.

New electronic devices can now be bought without a charger, helping consumers save approximately €250 million a year.

The rules will help to ensure that charging speed is the same when using any compatible charger for a device. 

The EU's Common Charger Directive was approved by the Council of the EU in October 2022.

Since 28 December, the rules apply to mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, video-game consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, and earbuds sold in the EU.