USB-C is now the law of the land in Europe

“It’s time for the charger,” the The European Commission published X on December 28, 2024. While the sentiment applies only to one continent (and not to all) and only to certain devices, the Common Charger Directive now in force in the European Union suggests that many fewer gadgets impose barrels, USB-micro, or proprietary plugs on their owners.

U Common charge directive requires a “USB-C receptacle” to be equipped on “radio equipment” that is “equipped with a removable or embedded rechargeable battery” and “can be recharged via wired charging”. If it has a battery and can be powered up to 100 watts through a USB-C connection, it is generally subject to the EU. 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 originally designed and sold before that date.

Computers will take until April 2026 to be complete, but most other things – phones, tablets, portable gaming devices, computer accessories and wireless headphones – will have to be powered by USB-C to be sold in the EU from now on. Drones, for the time being, are largely not covered by the directive, but the EU will probably catch up.

The directive contains many exceptions and a little margin. Devices with non-rechargeable batteries, such as coin cells or AA / AAA batteries, get a pass, so that many smart home gadgets are off the hook. There is vague language around devices recharging in 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.

Less bricks, standardized “Fast Charging”.

The most significant impact this USB-C requirement has had so far is on Apple, which, while initially resisting, has gradually changed its products from its patented Lightning to USB-C connector. I know the latest iMac it comes with a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad that all 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 a USB-C port be present, the Directive requires that anything with “fast charging” – drawing more than 5 volts, 3 amps, or 15 watts – allows the USB Power Delivery (USB PD) standard. This should ensure that they correctly negotiate charging rates with any charger with USB PD instead of requiring their own charging brick or adapter.

In Europe, devices must indicate on their product boxes whether they contain a charging plug or a mid-cord brick. A different label will indicate the minimum and maximum power a device needs to charge and whether it can support USB PD or not.

Can the EU make cables and cords?

The EU’s celebratory post on X is heavy with responses from doubters, who suggest that the mandate of USB-C as “The charger” could slip companies innovating in other means of energy delivery. Most of these criticisms are addressed in the current text of the law, because the most powerful devices are exempt, secondary power plugs are allowed, and wireless largely gets a pass. “And when will USB-D arrive?” is something no one can really answer, though it seems like a vague reason to avoid addressing e-waste, fragmentation and consumer confusion of the larger device charging ecosystem.

How the Common Carrier Directive will be enforced remains to be seen, as it is something left to member nations. It is not yet proven whether the companies will comply in all their international product lines or only make specific products compliant with the EU.

This story originally appeared Ars Technica.