Laptops sold in the EU now required to ship with USB-C charging

This means that all new laptops sold in the European Union are now required by law to feature at least one USB-C port for charging. The directive specifies that all laptops with a 100W or lower power rating are required to transition to USB-C charging. There is a small exception for devices exceeding that threshold, like gaming laptops, which can continue to ship with proprietary barrel-plug connectors, alongside the now mandatory USB-C port.

The new change affects all new laptops sold in all 27 EU member states. It does not affect devices currently on sale or second-hand models. The EU estimates that the switch to USB-C across portable electronic devices will save up to €250 million annually for customers and reduce up to 11,000 tonnes of e-waste per year.