Last updated on November 4, 2025
No. USB chargers sold in the EU must comply with ecodesign requirements, which include strict energy efficiency standards and mandatory information obligations. Selling chargers without meeting these rules is prohibited under EU law.
Why the EU Regulates Your Charger
The European Union doesn’t overlook small devices when it comes to sustainability. USB chargers—technically called External Power Supplies (EPS)—are everywhere, powering phones, laptops, and countless gadgets. With hundreds of millions sold annually, their cumulative energy footprint is massive. To tackle this, the EU introduced ecodesign rules under Directive 2009/125/EC, setting minimum efficiency standards and requiring clear consumer information.
These measures aren’t just bureaucratic detail—they aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy waste, and make chargers interoperable. The latest update, adopted in 2025, expands the scope to include USB Type-C cables, wireless chargers, and battery chargers for portable batteries.
The Legal Framework
Under the ecodesign directive, chargers must meet requirements laid down in Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1782 and its successor, the updated EPS regulation. These rules apply to all EPS placed on the EU market after 2028, though manufacturers can comply earlier.
The regulation mandates:
- Energy efficiency standards: Minimum active efficiency and limits on no-load power consumption.
- Interoperability: Chargers must support USB Type-C or USB Power Delivery (USB PD) and avoid hard-wired cables.
- Information obligations: Packaging must display the EU Common Charger logo and power ratings, and technical data must be available online.
Unlike large appliances, chargers don’t carry the A-to-G energy label. Instead, compliance is demonstrated through markings and documentation required by ecodesign rules.
What Happens If You Ignore the Rules?
Selling non-compliant chargers is illegal. Market surveillance authorities can impose fines, remove products from shelves, and block imports. Manufacturers and importers must also register products in the EPREL database, ensuring transparency and enabling enforcement.
The stakes are high: these measures are expected to save 3% of EPS lifecycle energy consumption by 2035—equivalent to the annual energy use of 140,000 electric cars—and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 9%. Consumer savings could reach €100 million per year thanks to lower energy bills and fewer redundant chargers.
Cultural and Practical Context
Europeans value sustainability, and the Common Charger initiative reflects that ethos. By standardizing USB Type-C and enforcing efficiency benchmarks, the EU reduces e-waste and simplifies life for consumers. No more drawers full of incompatible cables—just one charger for multiple devices.
The Road Ahead
Manufacturers have until the end of 2028 to comply fully. After that, every charger sold in the EU must meet ecodesign standards, display required markings, and provide technical data online. For businesses, this means redesigning products and updating supply chains. For consumers, it means convenience and confidence that their chargers meet strict environmental standards.
Bottom Line
Selling USB chargers without meeting energy efficiency and information requirements is a clear violation of EU law. These rules aren’t just about compliance—they’re about shaping a greener future where even the smallest devices contribute to sustainability.
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Sources
Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1782 – Ecodesign requirements for external power supplies
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1782/oj/eng
25.10.2019
Directive 2009/125/EC – Establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-related products
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32009L0125
Ongoing