EU mandates USB Type-C for devices from 2024

The EU has published its new ‘Common Charger’ directive in its Official Journal. Every phone, tablet, camera, pair of headphones and earbuds, headset, handheld video game console, portable speaker, e-reader, keyboard, mouse, and portable navigation system sold in the EU will have to have a USB Type-C port starting on December 28, 2024.

If the charging is higher than 15W, then it’s also required to incorporate USB Power Delivery. From April 28, 2026, the same stipulations regarding the use of USB Type-C will apply to laptops as well.

From April 28, 2026, the same stipulations regarding the use of USB Type-C will apply to laptops as well. The next step is EU member states adopting and publishing, by December 28, 2023, the laws, regulations, and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive.

This will hugely affect Apple, as the media has widely reported ever since the law was only an idea, but not just - other device makers will have to ensure USB-PD compatibility if they have their products charging at rates over 15W.