USB-C is now the law of the land in Europe
“It’s time for THE charger,” he said European Commission sent to X on December 28, 2024. While this opinion only applies to one continent (and not the entire continent) and only to certain devices, the common charger directive currently in force in the European Union suggests that far fewer devices use barrels, USB micro, or proprietary connectors to their owners.
The Common charger policy requires that “radio devices” be equipped with a “USB-C socket” that is “equipped with a removable or integrated battery” and “can be charged via wired charging.” If it has a battery and can be operated with up to 100 watts via a USB-C port, it is generally subject to EU guidelines USB-C requirements. The policy applies to devices that are “released to market” – that is, sent to a dealer or buyer – after December 28, even if they were originally designed and sold before that date.
Laptops have until April 2026 to meet the requirements, but most other things – phones, tablets, handheld gaming devices, computer accessories and wireless headphones – will need to be powered via USB-C from now on in order to be sold within the EU to become. Drones are largely left out of the directive for now, but the EU is likely to get a handle on them.
The directive contains several exceptions and some flexibility. Devices with non-rechargeable batteries, like button cells or AA/AAA batteries, get a pass, meaning many smart home gadgets are off the hook. There is some vague language about devices charging in a case or box, although earbud cases are specifically included in the rule. Devices that only charge wirelessly are also excluded. And a device can offer another charging option, such as Apple’s MagSafe or proprietary connectors, as long as USB-C charging is also available.
Fewer stones, standardized “fast charging”
The biggest impact so far on this USB-C requirement has been on Apple, which initially resisted but did so has gradually changed its products from the proprietary Lightning port to USB-C. It is latest iMac comes with a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad, all connected via USB-C. The company has stopped selling the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE with Lightning charging in the EU after December 28th.
Not only does the policy require a USB-C port to be present, but it also requires anything with “fast charging” – meaning more than 5 volts, 3 amps or 15 watts – to enable this USB Power Delivery (USB PD) standard. This is to ensure that they properly negotiate charging rates with any charger with USB-PD, rather than requiring their own proprietary charging brick or adapter.
In Europe, devices must indicate on their product packaging whether they contain a charging plug or an adapter plug. Another label indicates the minimum and maximum power a device needs to charge and whether or not it supports USB PD.
Can the EU ensure that cables and wires get along?
The EU’s celebratory contribution to Most of these criticisms are addressed in the actual text of the law, as more powerful devices are exempt, secondary power plugs are permitted and wireless communications are widely permitted. “What if USB-D arrives?” No one can really answer that, although it seems like a vague reason not to address the e-waste, fragmentation, and consumer confusion of the larger device charging ecosystem.
How the Shared Charger Directive will be enforced remains to be seen, as this is left to member states. It is also unproven whether companies comply with the regulations in their international product lines or only produce certain EU-compliant products.
This story originally appeared on Ars Technica.
