When does the USB-C mandate apply to my electronic devices in EU?

The EU USB-C mandate applies to most portable electronic devices from December 28, 2024, with laptops following in April 2026. This European USB-C regulation covers smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, and portable speakers that charge via a wired cable. The directive aims to reduce electronic waste and improve consumer convenience by standardising charging ports across electronic device categories.

What exactly is the EU USB-C mandate and which devices does it cover?

The EU USB-C mandate is an amendment to the Radio Equipment Directive that requires specific electronic devices to use USB-C as their standard charging port. This USB-C directive establishes uniform charging requirements across the European market to reduce electronic waste and simplify the consumer experience.

The regulation covers portable electronic devices that charge through a wired cable and operate with a power delivery of up to 100 watts.

Devices Covered by the USB-C Mandate

Smartphones
Tablets
Digital cameras
Headphones and earbuds
Portable speakers
Handheld video game consoles
E-readers
Keyboards and mice
Portable navigation systems

Exempted Device Categories

Devices designed specifically for professional use
Products that charge exclusively through wireless charging
Items too small to accommodate a USB-C port
Smartwatches and fitness trackers (typically due to size constraints)

Manufacturers must justify exemptions based on technical feasibility, and these exclusions are subject to regulatory review.

When do different device categories need to comply with the USB-C requirement?

Device Category	Compliance Deadline	Notes
Smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers	December 28, 2024	Most portable electronic devices
Laptops	April 28, 2026	Extended timeline due to technical complexity

The USB-C compliance timeline operates on a “placing on the market” basis, meaning manufacturers cannot introduce new non-compliant devices after these dates. Products already on the market before the deadline can continue being sold until stocks are depleted, providing a natural transition period for existing inventory.

Manufacturers should plan their product development cycles accordingly, as the regulation applies when devices are first made available on the EU market. This means products launched globally must consider EU USB-C compliance dates if they are intended for European markets, regardless of their initial launch location.

How do you determine if your electronic device falls under the USB-C mandate?

Your electronic device falls under the USB-C mandate if it meets specific criteria. Use this assessment framework to determine compliance requirements:

Primary Assessment Criteria

Portability: Is the device genuinely portable and designed for consumer use?
Charging method: Does it charge via a wired cable as the primary charging method?
Power consumption: Does it operate with power delivery up to 100 watts?
Market positioning: Is it intended for consumer use or reasonably foreseeable consumer use?

Special Considerations

Professional-to-consumer migration: Products initially designed for professional markets but commonly purchased by consumers fall within scope
Physical constraints: Devices physically too small for USB-C ports may qualify for exemptions
Power requirements: Devices requiring more than 100 watts may be exempt
Technical justification: Manufacturers must provide documentation for claimed exemptions

For borderline cases, authorities may challenge exemption claims during market surveillance activities, making thorough documentation essential.

What happens if you don’t comply with the EU USB-C requirements by the deadline?

Non-compliance with EU USB-C requirements triggers enforcement actions through national market surveillance authorities. Understanding potential consequences helps manufacturers prioritise compliance efforts.

Immediate Enforcement Actions

Product withdrawal orders from the market
Sales prohibitions for non-compliant devices
Mandatory corrective measures
Product recalls for safety violations

Financial and Administrative Penalties

Financial penalties imposed by national authorities
Administrative costs for enforcement proceedings
Potential liability for recall expenses
Reputational damage from public enforcement actions

Cross-Border Enforcement Coordination

National market surveillance authorities coordinate through EU-wide systems to ensure consistent enforcement across member states, making it difficult to avoid compliance in specific markets. This coordinated approach means violations in one country can trigger investigations across multiple EU markets.

The enforcement landscape extends beyond immediate regulatory actions. Manufacturers who fail to meet safety standards face real consequences. The EU’s Safety Gate system publicly documents violations, creating a searchable record of companies whose products have been flagged as dangerous and removed from the market. This transparency mechanism serves as both a consumer protection tool and a powerful incentive for manufacturers to maintain compliance.

The regulatory landscape includes multiple layers of oversight. Organizations like BEUC (the European Consumer Organisation) supplement government enforcement by investigating complaints, testing products, and pushing for recalls when manufacturers fail to meet safety obligations. This multi-tiered approach ensures comprehensive monitoring of market compliance and consumer protection.

For manufacturers outside the EU, having a designated responsible person becomes critical for regulatory compliance communication. This EU-based contact point helps manage any enforcement actions and ensures proper dialogue with authorities during investigations. The responsible person requirement applies to all products placed on the EU market, including those subject to USB-C mandates.

Understanding USB-C mandate dates and requirements helps manufacturers plan their product development and market entry strategies effectively. The regulation forms part of the EU’s broader approach to product standardisation and environmental protection. At EARP, we help manufacturers understand how these requirements integrate with other EU obligations, ensuring comprehensive compliance across all applicable regulations for products entering European markets.

If you are looking for support or to learn more, contact our team of experts today.