Notebooks will be required to charge via USB-C

Since December 28, 2024, USB-C ports have been mandatory in the EU as a unified charging port for smartphones, headphones, digital cameras, and tablets. From April 28, 2026, the next stage of charging port unification will be implemented: from this deadline, all new notebooks sold in the EU must have a USB-C port for charging and mains operation. However, there are exceptions.

As Directive (EU) 2022/2380 has been known since October 2022, most manufacturers have already adapted their models accordingly so that they can be charged via the USB-C port. What is also being implemented with the directive is something already familiar from smartphones: manufacturers will no longer have to include power adapters with devices in the future to reduce electronic waste and protect the environment. Whether a power adapter is included with a product must be indicated on the packaging via a pictogram according to EU regulations. If none is included, users must take care of it themselves, although many should already have one or more at home anyway.

However, a simple 20W power adapter is not sufficient for charging notebooks; for notebooks, USB-C power adapters with a power output of 45 to 100 watts are necessary, depending on the device type. These can also be used to charge smartphones, tablets, or Bluetooth speakers, although mostly not at their full offered power, as these devices often support lower charging power.

Additionally, the packaging must feature a power adapter pictogram that informs about the charging power required by the device. The minimum and maximum power in watts will be indicated. Furthermore, the abbreviation “USB PD” (USB Power Delivery) must be indicated on the pictogram if the product supports the fast charging protocol. However, the cables must also support this protocol.

Exception: Gaming Notebooks

The EU makes an exception regarding the power adapter freedom: particularly powerful models such as gaming notebooks or mobile workstations may still have charging ports with round or multi-pin connectors, as their power consumption sometimes exceeds what USB-C can provide – currently a maximum of 240 W.

Microsoft is doing its part, by the way. The company is implementing stricter minimum requirements for USB-C on devices like notebooks and tablets with Windows 11. All USB-C ports on Windows 11 mobile devices will in the future have to be able to transfer data, be chargeable via USB, charge external devices, and support output to external screens or projectors. To achieve this, Microsoft is adapting the so-called Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). This certification program is mandatory for all manufacturers who want to pre-install Windows 11 on a notebook, for example.

The next stage of the EU regulation will take effect in 2028: The USB-C obligation will then be extended to chargers. The new regulations of the Ecodesign Directive will then apply to external power supplies that charge or power devices such as laptops, smartphones, WLAN routers, and computer monitors. From 2028, these products must meet higher energy efficiency standards and become more interoperable. Specifically, this means that USB chargers on the EU market must have at least one USB Type-C port and function with detachable cables. According to the EU Commission, over 400 million external power supplies are sold annually in the EU; the measure is expected to save around 3 percent of the energy consumption over the lifecycle of these devices annually by 2035.

(afl)