By the end of 2024, all new mobile phones, tablets, cameras and other electronic devices* must be sold with a USB-C charging port. This will allow consumers to charge devices with any USB-C charger, regardless of the brand.
A European Commission solution to reduce waste and avoid market fragmentation, the Common Charger Directive came into effect on 28 December 2024 across all member states. This will help consumers to limit the number of new chargers purchased and save consumers at least €250 million a year on unnecessary charger purchases. An estimated 11,000 tonnes of chargers are unused or thrown out annually across the European Union.
The Common Charger Directive also means that:
- Harmonised fast charging technology will ensure that charging speed will be the same across any compatible device charger.
- Chargers will also be unbundled from the sale of electronic devices to reduce e-waste.
- Visual and written information for consumers will be improved, with products clearly indicating if a charger is included. The following pictogram was provided by the European Commission.
Welcoming the measure, ComReg Commissioner Helen Dixon said that “this is a step forward to reduce electronic waste. Beneficial for the environment and for consumers, this will also maintain industry innovation and avoid fragmentation in the market.”
“We all have a drawer full of different cables and chargers in our homes and the Common Charger Directive will make this a thing of the past. Reusing compatible chargers will further promote circular economy and reduce the impact of technology on the environment,” said Commissioner Dixon.
Further information
* Mobile phones, mice, keyboards, tablets, handheld games consoles, digital cameras, headsets, earphones, earbuds, portable loudspeakers, portable navigation systems, e-readers.
These requirements will also apply to laptops as of 28 April 2026.
ComReg is the Market Surveillance Authority (MSA) in Ireland for the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC). The functions and powers derived from these regulatory frameworks protect product end-users from unsafe products and protect businesses from unfair competition.
Two amendments of the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU outlined the Common Charging solution:
- the Directive (EU) 2022/2380 the requirements of the ‘common charging’ solution
- the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1717, updating the references to technical specifications for wired charging.
The European Commission has further information available here: The EU Common Charger.
