On 13 October 2025 the European Commission revised the ecodesign regulation on external power supplies, Regulation (EU) 2019/1782. The new rules require chargers supplied with laptops, smartphones, wireless routers and monitors to have at least one USB Type-C port and a detachable cable design. The aim is to end the frustration of consumers needing several chargers for different devices and to make charging equipment far more universal and convenient.

Main content

Interface and cable standardisation:

1. Mandatory USB-C. The rules ensure consumers can use the same charger for different types of electronic product.

2. Detachable cables. This extends the useful life of the charger itself: if the cable is damaged, only the cable needs replacing, which reduces electronic waste.

Wider product coverage:

The rules go beyond traditional external power supplies and chargers to cover wireless charging pads and USB Type-C cables themselves, ensuring the whole ecosystem from wired to wireless charging is included.

Higher energy efficiency:

The regulation sets stricter efficiency standards for all these devices to reduce no-load power consumption when a device is plugged in but not in use, supporting energy saving and emissions reduction.

Expected benefits

The EU expects significant environmental and economic benefits by 2035:

1. Energy and emissions. About 3% of energy consumption will be saved each year and greenhouse gas emissions cut by up to 9%.

2. Cost savings. Consumers will avoid around EUR 100 million of unnecessary spending each year.

3. A single label. All devices covered by the interoperability rules will carry the EU common charger label, a distinctive visual symbol that helps consumers identify and match chargers to devices correctly and avoid misuse.

The revision of the ecodesign regulation is a key step towards a green circular economy and the digital single market. It responds to long-standing public demand and uses a strong policy tool to steer industry towards standardisation and sustainability, delivering benefits for both the environment and consumers.