New EU Ecodesign Rules for Chargers and Power Supplies: Key Changes You Need to Know to Ensure Compliance

New EU Ecodesign rules are introducing some fundamental changes to compliance for chargers and external power supplies (EPS). Regulation (EU) 2025/2052, published in November 2025, replaces the ecodesign rules that have governed EPS since 2020.

The new rules become binding on December 14, 2028. This date may look distant, but product development cycles for electronics typically run two to three years. Any manufacturer, importer, or brand placing EPS, chargers, or USB-C cables on the EU/EEA market needs to start planning now – not in 2028.

This article will outline the key changes introduced by the new EU ecodesign rules, which products are affected, and the practical steps you can take to ensure compliance in your supply chain. A detailed breakdown can be found in QIMA's Quick Guide on Ecodesign for External Power Supplies.

Scope of the New Ecodesign Regulation

The range of products covered by Regulation (EU) 2025/2052 is wider compared to its predecessor, with the following product categories now in scope:

• Wireless chargers and wireless charging pads

• General-purpose battery chargers

• Standalone USB-C cables

None of these were covered under the previous ecodesign rules for external power supplies.

Certain types of external power supplies (EPS) remain outside the regulation's scope or are specifically excluded. These include uninterruptible power supplies, as well as EPS used in medical devices and vehicles.

The High-Impact Change: Interoperability Requirements

A key new obligation introduced by the updated EU Ecodesign rules is interoperability. Unlike expanded labeling requirements or the new product information obligation, this rule will require many manufacturers to physically redesign their product to stay compliant.

The Core Obligation

From December 2028, most AC/DC power supplies sold in the EU must be fitted with a USB Type-C or USB PD port that can deliver the full maximum rated output power of the power supply. No output cables may be hardwired at these ports: only detachable connections are permitted. These ports must also operate independently of the device's other power outputs, except where outputs share capacity. Every USB Type-C and USB PD port must be individually labelled with its maximum rated output power.

The "Common Charger" Logo

The regulation introduces a "Common Charger" logo to identify compliant, interoperable devices. This logo can only be used on products that meet the USB-C interoperability requirement, so its presence functions as a compliance marker, not a design choice.

Exemptions from Interoperability Requirements

Some product categories are exempt from the interoperability requirement, including high-power devices, high-voltage devices, and a small number of specialty categories. The full list of exemptions can be found in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2025/2052.

Efficiency, Labeling, and Product Information Requirements

Beyond interoperability, the new Regulation tightens several other requirements that businesses will need to plan for.

Energy efficiency limits are stricter across the board. No-load power limits are reduced from their previous values, and for the first time, a minimum efficiency level at low load becomes a binding compliance threshold rather than an information requirement.

Wireless chargers and charging pads face new standby power limits. These products weren't previously subject to any energy efficiency requirements; now they have defined standby limits to meet, with active-mode efficiency requirements expected to follow in a future review.

Labeling requirements are expanded. Rating labels must carry more information than before, including details on total output power and, for USB-C cables sold on their own, a power rating marked directly on the cable ends.

A new 10-year product information obligation applies. Manufacturers and importers must keep technical product information publicly available for at least 10 years after a model's last unit is placed on the market, whether through a manual, a website, or a QR code linking to one.

For more detailed efficiency requirements and labeling specifications for each product category, consult QIMA's quick guide.

Key Compliance Deadlines

Three dates matter most for businesses planning their transition to the new Regulation:

• December 14, 2025: Opt-in for early compliance available. Businesses can voluntarily comply with the new Regulation ahead of schedule, enabling an early transition without dual compliance obligations.

• December 14, 2028: The new Regulation becomes binding. All EPS, wireless chargers, wireless charging pads, general-purpose battery chargers, and USB-C cables placed on the market from this date must meet the new requirements in full.

• December 14, 2033: The spare-part exemption expires. Until this date, spare-part EPS for products placed on the market before December 2028 can still be sold under the old rules, provided no compatible interoperable EPS exists in the product range.

What Businesses Should Do Now

To make the most of the transition period before the new Regulation becomes binding, businesses should start with a clear plan and prioritize the larger-scope items early. The work ahead spans product design, testing, documentation, and supplier coordination.

Immediate Actions (Through 2026)

Portfolio audit. Identify which EPS models fall within the new Regulation's expanded scope, particularly adaptive power supplies, multi-port devices, and charging pads.

Interoperability gap analysis. For each affected model, determine whether a USB Type-C/PD port can be added or whether an exemption applies, and document any exemption grounds thoroughly.

Supplier engagement. Inform OEM manufacturers and supply chain partners about the new requirements, and agree on timelines for product adaptations.

Medium-Term Actions (2027–28)

• Test planning. Engage test laboratories early, and apply the interim US DOE test procedure for adaptive and multiple-voltage EPS where relevant.

• Logo design and print preparation. Integrate the "Common Charger" logo into packaging and production templates ahead of the 2028 deadline.

• Technical documentation update. Revise the Declaration of Conformity and technical file to reflect the new requirements, including interoperability and overvoltage resistance evidence.

• 10-year web archive. Set up a process to keep product information publicly available on the company website for the required duration.

Preparing for New EU Ecodesign Rules Compliance with QIMA

Meeting the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2025/2052 involves several moving parts, and QIMA's E&E team can help you manage them. QIMA provides E&E testing and compliance support covering the full range of requirements introduced by the new Regulation, from interoperability to labeling.

Our services include interoperability verification, energy efficiency testing, technical documentation review, and support with the "Common Charger" labeling requirements, so you have what you need at each stage of getting your product to market.

For a deeper dive into the Regulation's requirements, see QIMA's quick guide: Ecodesign for External Power Supplies: What Businesses Need to Know Now