From April 2026, all laptops introduced to the European Union market must be equipped with a USB-C charging port. This requirement extends earlier rules that already apply to mobile phones and tablets, including devices such as the Apple iPhone, reinforcing a single charging standard across categories. The policy leverages the scale of the EU single market to reduce resource use and CO2 emissions while maintaining space for technological development. For the global secondary market, the regulation signals a structural shift that affects product resale value, refurbishment processes and accessory compatibility. From April onward unbundling of device and charger will become effective.
Political backing and objectives
European policymakers have framed the common charger as both a consumer and environmental measure. Margrethe Vestager, former Executive Vice-President for a Europe fit for the Digital Age, described the agreement as a tangible benefit for consumers, reducing the accumulation of unused chargers while supporting environmental goals. Thierry Breton, before Commissioner for the Internal Market, highlighted the speed of the legislative process and its economic impact. According to the Commission, consumers are expected to save around € 250 million annually by no longer purchasing unnecessary chargers, while gaining the convenience of a single solution across devices.
Harmonised charging standards
The regulation confirms USB-C as the common physical charging port and harmonises fast charging technology. This aims to prevent manufacturers from limiting charging speeds without justification and ensures consistent performance when compatible chargers are used. The scope currently covers a broad range of portable electronics, with the possibility of adding further device categories following ongoing market assessments. For secondary market operators, harmonisation simplifies testing, grading and resale, reducing uncertainty around compatibility.
Unbundling devices and chargers
A key element of the agreement is the unbundling of chargers from device sales. Consumers will be able to purchase new electronics without receiving a new charger by default, limiting the number of unused accessories entering drawers or waste streams. The Commission will assess the results of this measure during implementation and consider whether similar rules should apply to cables. This approach directly affects aftermarket demand and creates opportunities for specialised accessory resale and reuse.
Clearer consumer information
Manufacturers will be required to provide standardised information on charging performance, including required power and fast charging support. This transparency allows buyers to assess whether existing chargers meet device requirements or to select compatible alternatives more easily. For the secondary mobile market, clearer specifications can reduce returns, disputes and mismatched accessories, supporting smoother cross border trade within and beyond Europe.
Transition timelines and impact
Background data underscores the scale of the issue. Around 420 million portable electronic devices are sold annually in the EU, with consumers spending approximately € 2.4 billion on standalone chargers. Disposed and unused chargers contribute roughly 11,000 tonnes of e-waste each year, figures that the Commission expects to reduce significantly under the new rules.
Conclusion
This will have a clear impact on the European secondary laptop market. As with smartphones, importing laptops without USB-C charging into the EU will no longer be permitted from April 2026. In practice, however, the effect is expected to be limited, as most laptops already support USB-C or dual charging options. Much will depend on enforcement, and it appears unlikely that EU member states will actively police compliance under this directive.
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