The Common Charger Directive (EU) 2022/2380 amending RED 2014/53/EU was a success from the point of view of the authorities and users. Finally, all mobile devices and some other wireless devices with a battery (headphones, mouse, keyboard, ...) have the same USB-C socket to charge the integrated batteries. These devices are exempt from the USB obligation if they are charged wirelessly. Furthermore, it is now the rule that products are supplied without power adapters to reduce electronic waste in the future. The regulation has been in force since December 28, 2024 and was checked for its effectiveness in 2025 with an action by the European market surveillance authorities. A high level of compliance was confirmed.
From April 28, 2026, the USB-C socket for laptops with wireless functions is also mandatory. Here too, implementation has already been completed by many manufacturers.
What happens next?
(1) The EU Commission has announced that it will significantly expand the list of devices. Among other things, RC toys, electric toothbrushes, AR/VR headsets and video game controllers are under discussion. We should perhaps see the publication of a list this year.
(2) The standards for the USB interface were updated in 2025.
EN IEC 62680-1-2:2025 and EN IEC 62680-1-3:2025 are then to be incorporated back into the RED via a delegated act. In fact, IEC and CENELEC are already working on the next version.
(3) The ECO Design Regulation (EU) 2025/2052 creates further specifications for external power supplies (EPS), USB-C cables, battery chargers and wireless chargers/pads, which must be complied with by December 14, 2028. The logo defined by this regulation is also to be anchored in the RED to show customers more clearly whether the power supply matches the product.
Wireless charger is the keyword for the next innovation.
(4) Requirements for wireless chargers are also to be included in the RED as common chargers. The EU Commission has issued mandate M/607 to CENELEC for this, with the expectation that the corresponding standards will be published by March 4, 2027 at the latest.
https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/enorm/mandate/607_en
Note: Wireless chargers with radio communication protocol have always been covered by the RED. Further compatibility requirements will be added.
Common Charger is actually a side issue of the RED that will continue to occupy us.
We will keep you up to date and are happy to provide you with further details.
Author's note
This article has been machine translated into English.
TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
OJEU: Official Journal of the EU
RED: Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU
