Proprietary chargers are over: the EU imposes USB-C for (almost) everyone

USB-C and limiting the production of electronic waste are at the heart of the European Commission’s concerns, and this is not new. It has several initiatives to its credit, which concern both the obligation to sell smartphones and, more recently, laptopswithout charger in their box, but also that ofequip this type of product with a USB-C port. The idea behind these decisions: to ensure that unnecessary charging blocks do not accumulate in Europeans’ drawers, and that they can power their electronic products with any charger. And as noted by Official Journal as of November 24, 2025, the Commission is today targeting not the connector included in the products, but that of their chargers.

Chargers in the viewfinder

The latest directive relating to the ecodesign of electronic products, since that is what it is, the European Commission “provides that USB Type-C shall be the universal female connector for charging for certain categories of radio equipment, including smartphones, tablets or laptops”. Concretely, this means that the “external power sources” of these categories of devices must be equipped with a USB-C female socket: no more chargers with a USB-A connector. And as the same devices charge themselves via a USB-C connector, the Commission intends to impose the use of cables equipped with two USB-C tips, condemning both USB-A and any proprietary sockets that may remain on the market. But we must still remember that nothing will prevent manufacturers from including several ports in their chargers, period. Some smartphone manufacturers are already doing this (Huawei includes USB-A and USB-C in its smartphone blocks), and others could follow their example.

The European Commission already provides for some exceptions to its directive. Devices dedicated to the transport of people – therefore electrically assisted scooters and bicycles – are not concerned, even if Europe indicates that it “should assess the advisability of setting requirements also for SAEs used with light means of transport such as electric bicycles and scooters”which means, to the layman, that she wants to reevaluate this point later. Chargers used “in humid conditions” are not further concerned, nor are fixed installations, such as electric blinds, or even charging stations for autonomous products, such as robot vacuum cleaners, or even toys (think electric trains), which meet specific legislation. Also excluded are products that are too powerful, capable of delivering more than 100 W, or even those whose output voltage is greater than 48 V.

Three years for the sector to adapt

If a transition phase is called to start within 20 days following the publication of this directive in the Official Journal, its mandatory implementation is set for December 14, 2028.

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