The EU's USB-C Rule Now Covers Laptops: What Changes for Buyers
Since April 28, 2026, new laptops sold in the EU must charge over USB-C. What the rule requires, what comes next, and what it means outside Europe.
The European Union's "common charger" rules, which made USB-C the standard charging port for phones in 2024, now also cover laptops. According to the European Commission, the requirements have applied to laptops sold in the EU since April 28, 2026.
What the rule requires
The rules come from Directive (EU) 2022/2380, which amended the Radio Equipment Directive. The Commission lists four main elements:
- USB-C as the common port, so any USB-C charger can charge the device, whatever the brand.
- Harmonized fast charging, so makers can't unjustifiably limit charging speed and any compatible charger delivers the same speed.
- Unbundling: buyers must be able to purchase a device without a charger in the box.
- Clear labels showing how much power the device needs and whether it supports fast charging.
The Commission estimates that unbundling will cut electronic waste by 980 tonnes a year, and that the measures together will save consumers at least €250 million a year on chargers they don't need.
What comes next
- More device types: in a report published June 30, 2026, the Commission identified seven categories that could be added: smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart glasses, wristbands, AR/VR headsets, personal drones and game controllers.
- Cables: by December 28, 2026, the Commission is due to report on whether unbundling should extend to cables.
- Wireless charging: the Commission says mandatory rules would be premature, but in February 2025 it asked European standards bodies to develop a harmonized standard.
- Wall chargers: a separate ecodesign regulation for external power supplies applies from December 14, 2028. Among other things, it requires radio equipment chargers to have at least one USB-C port and to be marked with the power each port supports.
What it means for US buyers
The rules are legally binding only in the EU. In our assessment, though, laptop makers that design one model for global sales have strong reasons to keep USB-C charging everywhere. The practical tip for any buyer: check the wattage your laptop needs (the EU label shows it) before relying on a phone charger, since a lower-wattage charger may charge slowly or not keep up under load.
Sources
- The EU common charger — European Commission · Primary source · accessed October 16, 2026Supports: Directive (EU) 2022/2380; dates (Dec 28, 2024; Apr 28, 2026); USB-C port; fast-charging harmonization; unbundling; labels; 980-tonne and EUR 250 million estimates; June 30, 2026 report; cable unbundling report due Dec 28, 2026; wireless M/607; EPS regulation applying Dec 14, 2028
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