Ecological transition

Universal charger becomes mandatory for electronic devices

Publié le 27 décembre 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

As of December 28, 2024, most small and medium-sized electronic devices offered for sale in France and throughout the European Union (mobile phones, headsets, cameras...) must be compatible with a USB type-C universal charger. At present, laptops are not covered by this provision.

Regardless of the manufacturer, from 28 December 2024 several categories of electronic devices sold in the European Union must be equipped with a USB type-C port for charging. Among the appliances concerned by this European provision:

  • mobile phones;
  • tablets;
  • digital cameras;
  • headphones and headsets;
  • e-readers;
  • portable video game consoles;
  • portable speakers;
  • Portable GPS.

Now, when one of these devices is offered for sale with a charger it must also be available without a charger. A pictogram, put in place so that it is easily visible, lets you know whether or not a charger is offered with the device you want to purchase (if there is one, a loader pictogram is present, and if there is no loader pictogram, the loader pictogram is crossed out). This allows you to tailor your purchase to your needs for a new charger or not.

Devices without a USB-C port may continue to be sold if they were first placed on the EU market before 28 December 2024.

New computers sold within the European Union will be subject to the obligation to be equipped with a type-C USB port from 26 April 2026.

FYI  

Charging speed is also harmonized for fast charging devices, allowing you to charge your devices at the same speed with any USB type-C universal charger.

Please note

Devices too small for a USB-C charging port have been excluded from the device, for example connected watches.