EU Expands Mandatory USB-C Charging Rule to Laptops and Electronics

The European Union is taking a major step toward reducing electronic waste and fighting planned obsolescence. The European Commission has officially expanded its mandatory USB-C charging rule to cover a wider range of electronics, aiming to standardize how devices connect across the single market.

This policy, now part of the CE marking framework, goes beyond the original mandate for mobile phones. Moving forward, tablets, laptops, headphones, and video game consoles must also use the USB-C standard. The goal is not just to unify the physical port, but to require the USB Power Delivery protocol. This technology allows devices to intelligently manage power, meaning a single cable can safely and efficiently charge multiple devices, regardless of the brand.

This move marks the end of closed ecosystems and proprietary accessories. For years, companies like Apple used exclusive charging ports, a practice the EU now views as a barrier to sustainability. By eliminating this fragmentation, the Commission expects to prevent thousands of tons of electronic waste each year, as consumers will no longer need to buy specific chargers for every new device.

While the full requirements won't be mandatory until December 2027, the transition begins in September 2026. From that date, manufacturers must start updating their production lines to meet these new European standards, signaling a significant shift in how hardware is designed and sold across Europe.