New EU law requires USB-C as standard charger for all devices

The EU introduced a new rule requiring all small and medium-sized portable electronic devices sold within the EU to use a single, standardised USB-C port.

The move to ban charger clutter was approved on Saturday. Now, EU consumers no longer need different chargers for their smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, video game consoles, and other devices, as all will be charged with USB-C ports.

The proposal was presented in the European Parliament in 2022, where members overwhelmingly voted in favor of scrapping alternative charging methods.

The move would save consumers from buying a new charger for each device. However, the rule will be effective for laptop manufacturers from April 28, 2026.

“These rules are about tackling the tonnes of waste generated by discarded chargers each year and saving an estimated €250 million for EU households by eliminating unnecessary charger purchases each year,” said Anna Cavazzini, Head of the European Parliament’s Committee on Internal Marker and Consumer Protection, in a statement. 

Moreover, the rule will be strictly implemented across the European Union countries, as the parliament will closely monitor the manufacturers to adapt to these changes.