EU Mandates USB-C Charging Standard for Most Devices by Late 2024
Brussels, Belgium – October 19, 2025 – The European Union has formally adopted a new regulation requiring most electronic devices sold within its member states to utilize USB-C charging ports, a move poised to dramatically simplify charging for consumers and reduce electronic waste. The legislation, approved by the European Parliament earlier this year, will apply to a broad range of products including smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, and portable gaming consoles.
This landmark decision, finalized today, aims to establish a global charging solution, ending the era of device-specific chargers and cables.The new rules will affect manufacturers, compelling them to equip their products with USB-C ports by late 2024. Consumers stand to save an estimated 250 million euros annually and reduce over 11,000 tonnes of electronic waste, according to EU estimates. The regulation also anticipates extending the scope to laptops within 40 months of its effective date, pending further technical evaluation.
The directive isn’t solely about convenience; its a significant step towards sustainability. Currently, the proliferation of different charging standards contributes substantially to e-waste, as consumers are frequently forced to discard perfectly functional chargers when upgrading devices. “This is a big win for consumers and the environment,” stated Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age, in a press statement. ”With a single charger for most of our electronic devices, we will reduce waste, save money and make life easier for people.”
While Apple, a prominent user of its proprietary Lightning connector, has not directly commented on the finalized regulation, the company is widely expected to transition to USB-C for devices sold in the EU. The legislation does include provisions for exemptions under specific circumstances,but these are expected to be limited. The EU’s move is already prompting discussions about similar standards globally, possibly paving the way for a worldwide unified charging ecosystem.
