Does this affect laptops already on store shelves?

The new law doesn't affect laptops that are already on sale. Second-hand and refurbished laptops are also excluded.

Is Apple MacBook compliant?

MacBooks have charged via USB-C since 2015. The current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro combine MagSafe 3 with full USB-C charging, which poses no problem under the directive as long as the USB-C port actually charges.

What about older Microsoft Surface devices?

Surface devices with only the proprietary Surface Connect port — Surface Laptop 3/4, Surface Pro 7/8 — do not meet the directive and cannot be placed on the EU market as new products from April 28 onward.

Does the law require removing the charger from the box?

The law does not ban chargers from being included in the box. Instead, it requires manufacturers to offer an unbundled option where the device is sold without one — giving consumers the choice to reuse their existing chargers.

Will this law extend to the Middle East?

The EU directive doesn't legally extend beyond Europe. But practically — manufacturers are redesigning products for EU compliance, making USB-C the de facto global standard even in non-mandated markets.

EU Mandates USB-C for All Laptops From April 28, 2026 — Saving €250M Annually, 11,000 Tonnes of E-Waste and Mandatory Charger-Free Option

28/05/2026

EU Completes Its USB-C Journey — Laptops Are the Final Stop

The European Union's common charger directive came into effect back in December 2024 and required most new portable electronic devices to ship with a unified USB-C connector. Back then, the EU Commission extended the transition for laptop manufacturers by an extra 16 months, and the grace period officially expired on April 28.

The Law in Detail — Three Core Requirements

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.

Labeling requirements: packaging must display specific markings indicating charging performance and whether a power adapter is included in the box.

Charger-free sale option: Laptop manufacturers are also required to offer an "unbundled" packaging option — essentially selling laptops without a charger.

Gaming Laptop Exception — But USB-C Still Mandatory

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.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The EU Commission estimates these measures will save consumers €250 million annually and prevent roughly 11,000 tonnes of electronic waste per year.

What It Means for the Practical Consumer

One good USB-C cable can now charge your phone, tablet, and laptop — no more rummaging for the right brick before a trip. If you already own a capable USB-C charger (65W or above covers most laptops), you can skip buying a new one entirely.

Geographic Scope

The mandate applies across all 27 EU member states plus the UK, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

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