The European Commission has adopted revised ecodesign requirements for external power supplies (EPS), a product group with more than 400 million units placed on the EU market annually. The new rules aim to improve consumer convenience while significantly increasing energy and resource efficiency. Manufacturers will have a transition period of three years to adapt to the new requirements.

The regulation applies to external power supplies used for devices such as smartphones, laptops, wireless routers and computer monitors. A key element is enhanced interoperability: all USB chargers placed on the EU market will be required to include at least one USB Type-C port and operate with detachable cables. These chargers will form part of the EU “Common Charger” framework.

In addition to interoperability, the new rules introduce stricter energy efficiency standards across the entire lifecycle of EPS. The expected impact is substantial. By 2035, the measures are projected to reduce lifecycle energy consumption by approximately 3%, greenhouse gas emissions by 9%, and pollutant emissions by around 13%. Consumer savings could reach up to €100 million per year, while the energy savings are equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of roughly 140,000 electric cars.

Products falling under the interoperability requirements will carry the EU Common Charger logo, enabling consumers to easily identify compatible chargers and devices. This visual labelling is intended to reduce confusion, limit unnecessary purchases, and further cut electronic waste.

The new ecodesign requirements build on existing obligations under the revised Radio Equipment Directive, extending the common charging concept to a wider range of devices. Overall, an additional 35–40% of the EPS market is expected to become interoperable, on top of the approximately 50% already covered.

The regulation will enter into force shortly after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, with full application expected by the end of 2028.

EU Common Charger logo: