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One charger to rule them all: USB-C is the official standard for all new phones, tablets and cameras in the EU

EU imposes USB-C charging to tablets, smartphones, cameras, and more (Image source: Generated using DALL·E 3)
USB-C is finally a standard across the EU (Image source: Generated using DALL·E 3)
At the end of last week, the European Commission announced that the Common Charger Directive, which was approved in October 2022, is finally going live. Now, all devices sold in the EU—including smartphones, tablets, cameras, keyboards/mice—must support USB-C charging. However, the rules will target laptops only starting in late April, 2026.

The age of a bazillion different chargers and ports is finally gone in Europe, as the Common Charger Directive, which was approved more than two years ago, is finally live. This means that, after the end of the transition period that was granted to manufacturers so they would adjust their designs for full compliance with the regulations, now only laptops can still use proprietary ports. However, laptops will have to comply with the aforementioned law from April 28, 2026.

The list of devices that are now being sold only with USB-C charging across the EU consists of the following: mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, game consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, and earbuds. Sadly, electric toothbrushes, hair clippers/trimmers, and other similar items have not been included in the directive. On the bright side, the list of devices targeted could be revised in the future.

According to the European Commission, discarded and unused chargers account for roughly 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually. The next steps to further reduce waste include extending the directive to target cables that are still bundled with many devices and, after a while, as the technology matures and is being applied to more devices, to try and set a standard for wireless chargers as well.

US customers can currently grab a pair of 20 W Anker chargers bundled with two USB-C cables at $18.99 on Amazon. In Europe, Amazon.de is selling a 20 W Ugreen charger for 9.99 euros, thanks to a 25% discount. Sadly, there is no cable included.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2024 12 > One charger to rule them all: USB-C is the official standard for all new phones, tablets and cameras in the EU
Codrut Nistor, 2024-12-30 (Update: 2024-12-30)