USB-C: laptops in scope since 28 April
News · Deadline passed
The second and final deadline under Directive (EU) 2022/2380 arrived on 28 April 2026: laptops placed on the Union market must now meet the common charger regime. The other categories, notably phones, tablets, headphones and handheld consoles, have been covered since 28 December 2024.
In short:
- Laptops joined the regime on 28 April 2026.
- A compliant USB-C port is required for wired charging.
- USB Power Delivery is required above the power threshold set by the directive.
- The buyer must be able to purchase the device without a charger, and the packaging must carry the charging information.
An instrument that lives inside the RED
Section titled “An instrument that lives inside the RED”The common charger is not a standalone directive. Directive (EU) 2022/2380 amends the RED directive 2014/53/EU and inserts the charging requirements into it. The practical consequence matters: common charger compliance is demonstrated in the same technical file and the same EU declaration of conformity as the rest of the RED requirements, not through a separate procedure.
The timetable ran in two stages:
| Date | Categories covered |
|---|---|
| 28 December 2024 | Handheld mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, earbuds, portable speakers, handheld videogame consoles, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems |
| 28 April 2026 | Laptops |
The four requirements
Section titled “The four requirements”The port. The device must include a USB-C receptacle for wired charging. The directive does not forbid another power input alongside it; it requires that a functional USB-C port be present and usable for charging.
The fast-charging protocol. Where the device charges above the power threshold the directive addresses, it must implement USB Power Delivery. The stated aim is to stop a manufacturer from throttling charging speed without justification when a compliant third-party charger is used.
Unbundling. The buyer must be able to obtain the device without a charger. In practice this means a distinct commercial reference and a supply chain able to handle both configurations.
Information. Packaging and online sales listings must state the charging characteristics: the power the device requires and whether fast charging is supported. The Commission provides pictograms and specification labels.
Where people trip up
Section titled “Where people trip up”Three mistakes recur:
- Believing charging must be USB-C only. That is not what the text requires. A proprietary power input may remain alongside; what counts is a functional USB-C port for charging.
- Treating labelling as an end-of-project formality. The pictogram and power information drive packaging and distributor product sheets, with printing lead times and catalogue updates attached.
- Forgetting the EU declaration of conformity. Since the instrument amends the RED, the declaration must cover these requirements like any other.
What to check
Section titled “What to check”- List the laptop lines still marketed in the Union and confirm a compliant USB-C port is present.
- Verify the USB Power Delivery implementation above the threshold, with test evidence.
- Check packaging and online listings, including at distributors, which often carry older artwork.
- Confirm a charger-free reference exists and is genuinely available to buy.
Further reading
Section titled “Further reading”- RED scope: which equipment falls under the directive
- RED harmonised standards: the reference table
- USB-IF and USB-C certification: programme and logos
Sources & references
- Directive (EU) 2022/2380 amending Directive 2014/53/EU , EUR-Lex eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2022/2380/oj
- The EU common charger , European Commission single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/electrical-and-electronic-engineering-industries-eei/radio-equipment-directive-red/one-common-charging-solution-all_en