“It's time for the charger”, European Commission posted to X on 28 December 2024. Although this position applies only to one continent (but not all) and only certain devices, the Common Charger Directive is currently in force in the Union Europe suggests that there will be far fewer devices that have enclosures, USB-microphones, or plugs that are proprietary to their owners.
the General instructions for chargers requires a “USB-C outlet” to be provided on “radio devices” that are “equipped with a removable or embedded rechargeable battery” and “rechargeable using wired charging.” If a device has a battery and can deliver up to 100 watts of power via a USB-C connection, it is generally subject to EU regulations. USB-C requirements. The directive applies to devices “placed on the market”—sent to distributors or purchasers—after December 28, even if they were originally designed and sold before that date.
Laptops have until April 2026 to comply, but most everything else—phones, tablets, handheld gaming devices, computer accessories, and wireless headphones—from now on will now have to be powered by USB-C to be sold within the EU. Currently, drones are largely not covered by the directive, but the EU may be approaching them.
This order has some exceptions and is subject to change. Devices with non-rechargeable batteries, like coin cells or AA/AAA batteries, will receive the tag, rendering many smart home devices inoperable. There is some vague language surrounding rechargeable devices inside a case or case, although headphone cases are specifically included in the regulations. Devices that only charge wirelessly are also exempt. And a device may offer another charging option, like 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 has been on Apple, which despite its initial opposition Gradually transfer your products from the company's proprietary Lightning connector to USB-C. Its Latest iMac comes with a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad, all of which connect via USB-C. The company stopped selling the Lightning-charged iPhone 14 and iPhone SE in the EU after December 28.
In addition to requiring only a USB-C port, the Directive also requires that any device with a “fast charging” feature—with a voltage greater than 5 volts, 3 amps, or 15 watts—allow USB Power Delivery (USB PD) standard. This will ensure that they negotiate the right charging price with any charger that has USB PD rather than requiring their own proprietary charging brick or adapter.
In Europe, devices must clearly state on the product box whether they contain a charging plug or a brick in the middle of the cord. Another label will indicate the minimum and maximum power the device requires to charge and whether the device supports USB PD.
Can the EU make cables and wires work?
The EU's X-congratulatory post was filled with replies from skeptics, suggesting that referring to USB-C as a “charger” could hinder companies from innovating other means of power delivery. Most of these criticisms are addressed in the actual legal text, because more powerful devices are exempt, secondary power plugs are allowed, and most wireless networks are allowed. “What about when USB-D arrives?” is something that no one can really answer, although it seems like a vague reason to avoid addressing the problem of e-waste, fragmentation, and consumer confusion within the ecosystem charge larger devices.
It remains unclear how the Common Charger Directive will be implemented as that is left to the member states. Also unproven is whether companies will comply with it across their international product lines or simply produce specific products that are EU compliant.
This story originally appeared on Ars Technica.