EU Common Charger Rules Now Apply to Laptops

April 28th, 2026

EU estimates that discarded chargers account for around 11,000 tonnes of e‑waste

From today, all new laptops sold in the European Union must support USB‑C charging, marking another milestone in the EU’s Common Charger Directive.

The rules already apply to devices such as mobile phones, tablets, cameras, headphones and portable speakers, with laptop manufacturers given additional lead‑in time to allow for redesign and transition.

The aim is simple but impactful:

  • Fewer chargers, less clutter
  • Consistent charging speeds across compatible devices
  • Reduced environmental impact

The EU estimates that discarded and unused chargers account for around 11,000 tonnes of e‑waste every year.

🎥 Watch our Cable Chaos video from the Don’t Waste a Day! campaign and ask yourself: How many unused cables are hidden away in your home right now?

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