“It’s time for THE charger,” said the European Commission sent to X on December 28, 2024. While the sentiment applies only to one continent (and not the whole) and only to certain devices, the Common Chargers Directive now in force in the European Union suggests that many fewer devices will impose barrels, micro USB , or patented plugs to their owners.
He Directive on common chargers requires a “USB-C receptacle” to be equipped on a “radio set” 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 run at up to 100 watts over a USB-C connection, it is generally subject to EU USB-C requirements. The directive applies to devices “marketed” (shipped 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 things – phones, tablets, portable gaming devices, computer accessories and wireless headphones – will have to work with USB-C in order to be sold within the EU at from now on. At the moment, the directive largely does not address drones, but the EU is likely to address them.
The directive contains several exceptions and some room for maneuver. Devices with non-rechargeable batteries, such as button cells or AA/AAA batteries, receive a pass, so many smart home devices are free. There is vague language around devices that recharge inside a case or box, although headphone cases are specifically included in the mandate. Devices that only charge wirelessly are also exempt. And a device may offer another charging option, such as 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, although initially resistant, has gradually switched its products from its proprietary Lightning connector to USB-C. Your latest iMac comes with a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad that connect via USB-C. The company stopped selling the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE with Lightning charging in the EU after December 28.
In addition to simply requiring that there be a USB-C port, the Directive requires that any device with “fast charging” (consuming more than 5 volts, 3 amps, or 15 watts) enable the USB Power Delivery (USB PD) standard. This should ensure that they properly negotiate charging rates with any USB PD charger rather than requiring their own proprietary charging adapter or brick.
In Europe, devices must indicate on their product boxes whether they contain a charging plug or intermediate cable block. A different label will indicate the minimum and maximum power a device requires to charge and whether it can support USB PD or not.
Can the EU make cables and cords get along?
The EU’s celebratory post on Most of these criticisms are addressed in the actual text of the law, because more powerful devices are exempt, secondary power plugs are allowed, and wireless technology largely passes. “What will happen when USB-D arrives?” is something no one can really answer, although it seems like a vague reason to avoid addressing e-waste, fragmentation and consumer confusion in the broader device charging ecosystem.
It remains to be seen how the Common Chargers Directive will be implemented, as that is something left to the member countries. It is also unproven whether companies will comply across all their international product lines or simply make specific EU-compliant products.
This story originally appeared on Ars Technique.