“It’s charger time,” said the European Commission seconded to on December 28, 2024. While this sentiment only applies to one continent (and not all) and only to certain devices, the Common Chargers Directive now in force in the European Union suggests that far fewer gadgets will impose barrels, micro USBs, or proprietary plugs on their owners.
THE Common Charger Directive requires a “USB-C jack” to be equipped on “radio equipment” that is “equipped with a removable or built-in rechargeable battery” and “can be recharged via wired charging.” If it has a battery and can be powered at up to 100 watts via a USB-C connection, it is generally subject to EU regulations. USB-C requirements. The directive applies to devices “placed on the market” – sent to a distributor or buyer – after December 28, even if they were initially designed and sold before that date.
Laptops have until April 2026 to comply, but most other products (phones, tablets, portable gaming devices, computing accessories, and wireless headphones) will now need to be powered by USB-C to be sold in the EU. Drones, for now, are largely not addressed by the directive, but the EU will likely get there.
The directive contains several exceptions and some room for maneuver. Devices with non-rechargeable batteries, like button cells or AA/AAA batteries, get a pass, so many smart home gadgets are off the hook. There is vague language regarding devices that charge in a case or box, although earphone cases are specifically included in the mandate. Devices that only charge wirelessly are also exempt. And a device may offer another charging option, like Apple’s MagSafe or proprietary plugs, as long as USB-C charging is also available.
Fewer bricks, standardized “fast charging”
The most significant impact this USB-C requirement has had so far is on Apple, which, while initially resistant, has gradually moved its products from its proprietary Lightning connector to USB-C. It is latest iMac comes with a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad that all connect via USB-C. The company stopped selling the Lightning-charging iPhone 14 and iPhone SE in the EU after December 28.
In addition to simply requiring that a USB-C port be present, the directive requires anything with “fast charging” (drawing more than 5 volts, 3 amps, or 15 watts) to enable fast charging. USB Power Standard (USB PD). This should ensure that they negotiate charging rates correctly with any charger with USB PD rather than needing their own proprietary charging brick or adapter.
In Europe, devices must indicate on their product boxes whether they contain a charging socket or an intermediate brick. A different label will indicate the minimum and maximum power a device needs to charge and whether or not it can support USB PD.
Can the EU make cables and cords get along?
The EU’s celebratory post on Most of these criticisms are addressed in the text of the law itself, as more powerful devices are exempt, secondary power outlets are permitted, and wireless is largely left out. “And when will USB-D arrive?” That’s a question no one can really answer, even though it seems like a vague reason to avoid tackling e-waste, fragmentation, and consumer confusion in the broader charging ecosystem. devices.
It remains to be seen how the Common Chargers Directive will be applied, as it depends on the member countries. It also remains unclear whether companies will comply across their entire international product ranges or simply produce specific products that comply with EU standards.
This story was originally published on Ars Technica.
