Will older devices without USB-C disappear from stores?
It is important to clearly distinguish between two situations. One is placing new devices on the market, and the other is the continued sale of equipment that was already legally available.
The regulations do not require the automatic withdrawal of older models simply because they do not have USB-C. If devices were placed on the market before the new requirements came into force, they can still be sold. Stores do not have to remove them from their offerings.
The obligation applies to new devices introduced to the market after specific dates. These must comply with the RED directive and national regulations.
In practice, this means that for some time after the rules take effect, older devices without USB-C may still be available for sale.
It is important to distinguish between:
- new devices placed on the market after the cut-off date
- devices that were already legally on sale earlier
What this means in practice:
- older models do not have to disappear from stores automatically
- the obligation applies to new devices introduced to the market after the relevant dates
What information must manufacturers provide to users?
The new regulations also impose additional information obligations on manufacturers and other economic operators. It is no longer just about having the right port, but also about providing clear and understandable information on how the device is charged. The rules require that users can easily determine what power a charger can deliver and whether the device supports the USB PD standard. If a device supports USB power delivery, this must be stated in text form as “USB PD fast charging”. The manufacturer should also indicate the names of other supported charging protocols, if any. Although this may seem like a small detail, it is actually very useful. It allows users to avoid guessing whether a charger and device will work well together or whether buying a more expensive charger makes sense.
The manufacturer must clearly indicate:
- whether the device supports USB PD
- what charging power it supports
- what other charging protocols are supported, if any
What do minimum and maximum charging power mean?
The regulations introduce the obligation to inform users about minimum and maximum charging power. The specification must state what power is required for the device to function properly and what power allows it to reach maximum charging speed. These values are given in watts.
The information has a defined format:
“The power delivered by the charger ranges from a minimum of [XX] W required by the radio equipment to a maximum of [YY] W to achieve maximum charging speed.”
Although it sounds technical, the meaning is simple. XX indicates the minimum power needed for charging. YY indicates the power required for the fastest charging.
This allows users to easily assess whether their charger is sufficient or only works without using the device’s full potential.
How to understand it:
- XX means the minimum power required to charge the device
- YY means the power required to achieve maximum charging speed
- this helps the user evaluate whether their charger is suitable
QR codes and electronic transmission of technical data
The regulations allow some information to be provided via QR codes or other electronic solutions. This includes data on minimum and maximum charging power, parameter ranges for charging above 5 V, 3 A, or 15 W, and information about USB power delivery support.
However, this does not remove the obligation to provide information. It is only an additional way to present technical data.
For manufacturers, this is convenient because it allows them to provide more detailed information. For users, it is a simple way to quickly access the full device specification.
Information that may also be provided electronically:
- minimum and maximum charging power
- charging parameter ranges above 5 V, 3 A, or 15 W
- information about USB PD support
Is a charger included? New obligations for packaging and online sales
The regulations also introduce an obligation to inform whether a charger is included in the package. This information must be presented in the form of a clear pictogram. This is important because devices are increasingly sold without chargers. Thanks to this requirement, users know before purchase whether they need to buy a charger separately.
The label must be placed in the user manual and on the packaging or as a sticker. If there is no packaging, it must be placed directly on the device. In all cases, it must be visible and easy to read.
For online sales, this information should appear near the price. If it cannot be displayed in the standard way due to the size or type of device, it may be provided as a separate document.
The user should be able to easily check:
- whether a charger is included
- whether the information is visible on the packaging
- whether the information appears next to the price in online sales
Pictograms and obligations of economic operators
Economic operators, meaning manufacturers, importers, and other participants in the distribution chain, must ensure that information about whether a charger is included is presented using a pictogram. This pictogram must be printed on the packaging or placed on it as a sticker. It must be visible and easy to read. In distance selling, the same information must also be shown near the price. For the average customer, this simply means greater transparency. Before buying a device, it should be easy to check whether the set is complete in terms of charging.
Manufacturers and sellers must:
- use a clear pictogram
- place it on the packaging or as a sticker
- display this information in online sales as well
What does the charging specification label look like?
The regulation also defines the design of the label that informs about charging capabilities and compatible charging devices. This design is specified in Annex 2 of the regulation. The pictogram may vary in appearance, for example in color, fill, outline, or line thickness, as long as it remains visible and readable. If it is resized, the proportions defined in the drawings must be maintained. The minimum size of the pictogram is 7 mm. This is a technical detail, but it has practical importance, as it prevents situations where markings would be too small or unclear for users.
Main rules for the label:
- it must be readable
- it may vary in appearance but must remain clear
- it must keep the correct proportions
- the minimum size is 7 mm
What exactly do the symbols “XX”, “YY”, and “USB PD” on the label mean?
The charging specification label follows a format defined in the regulation. The letters “XX” are replaced with a number representing the minimum power required to charge the device, meaning the minimum power the charger must provide for charging to be possible.
The letters “YY” are replaced with a number representing the maximum power required by the device to reach maximum charging speed.
If the device supports USB PD, the label includes the abbreviation “USB PD”. USB PD is a USB power standard that allows proper and interoperable power transfer between the charger and the device. Manufacturers may use additional solutions, but they cannot limit the full functionality of USB PD. The label itself may vary in color, fill, outline, or line thickness, as long as it remains readable and keeps the required proportions. Its minimum size is also 7 mm.
Label markings mean:
- XX: minimum power required for charging
- YY: power required to reach maximum charging speed
- USB PD: the device supports the USB Power Delivery standard
What are these regulations supposed to change in practice?
These regulations are intended to organize several areas at once. First, they introduce a common charging port for a wide range of popular devices. At the same time, they ensure that this common port is backed by real technical compatibility, especially for faster charging. Another important element is greater transparency of information for users, so that before purchase they know what charger power is required, whether the device supports USB PD, and whether a charger is included. The overall goal is also to reduce the production of unnecessary accessories and decrease electronic waste.
Main effects for users:
- fewer different cables and chargers
- easier purchase of compatible accessories
- clearer information about charging parameters
- lower risk of buying equipment that requires an unusual charger
- less electronic waste
What is the current situation? Status as of April 2026
As of April 2026, the described regulations remain valid. For most devices, they have applied since 28 December 2024, while for laptops they start to apply from 28 April 2026.
The rule still applies that the regulation only concerns devices that support wired charging. It is also important to distinguish between placing new devices on the market and the continued sale of equipment already available earlier. Older models do not have to disappear from stores.
However, new devices introduced after the specified dates must meet USB-C and charging standard requirements. From the user’s perspective, the idea is simple. It is about a more consistent and predictable way of charging. In practice, this means fewer different ports and chargers, and more clear information when making a purchase.
The whole system is therefore not just about “USB-C for everything”. Its goal is to organize the market and make using electronic devices easier.