New laptops sold in the EU must come with USB-C charging ports

An anti-waste regulation standardizes charging ports across all new laptops sold in the European Union (EU).

The Common Charger Directive, approved in 2022, requires new portable devices entering the EU market to support USB-C chargers.

All mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, and other devices have already been required to have a universal charger since 2024.

The rule standardizing laptop chargers came into effect on April 28th, 2026.

The EU says the harmonization improves consumer convenience and reduces e-waste.

In addition, the mandate requires manufacturers to offer their hardware without a charger, which Brussels estimates would save consumers approximately €250 million a year.

The rule may have a broader impact, reaching beyond the EU. For instance, Apple introduced USB-C to the iPhone 15 and later models to comply with the EU regulations.

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The charger harmonization mandate is part of broader EU efforts to make electronic devices more convenient to use and repair, which have long irked big tech companies.

For example, tech giants strongly opposed the Right to Repair directive, which will be implemented by July 31st, 2026, and will require manufacturers to provide access to spare parts.

The regulation also aims to prohibit manufacturers from using techniques that impede the repair of goods.

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