European Union requires USB-C charging on new laptops from April 28
- The European Union now requires all new laptops sold in the bloc to include at least one USB-C charging port.
- The laptop transition period under the EU common charger directive expired on April 28, 2026.
- The rule applies to laptops with a power rating of 100W or lower.
The European Union required all new laptops sold in the bloc to support charging through at least one USB-C port from April 28, 2026, when the laptop grace period under its common charger directive expired. The broader directive had already applied to most new portable electronic devices since December 2024, but laptop makers received an extra 16 months to comply.
The rule means new laptops sold in the European Union must include at least one USB-C charging port if the laptop has a power rating of 100W or lower. GSMArena reported that the extended transition period for laptop manufacturers ended on April 28.
The EU common charger directive is part of a wider push to standardize charging connectors across consumer electronics sold in the region. The measure first took effect for most new portable electronic devices in December 2024, and laptops were added after a 16-month extension for manufacturers.
Related Questions
- Do laptops sold in the EU now need USB-C charging?
- Yes. The European Union now requires new laptops sold in the bloc to include at least one USB-C charging port.
- When did the EU USB-C rule start applying to laptops?
- April 28, 2026. That was the date the extra 16-month transition period for laptop manufacturers expired.
- Does the EU USB-C laptop rule apply to all power levels?
- No. The directive specifies laptops with a power rating of 100W or lower.
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