Universal charger becomes mandatory for laptops from Sunday

Sunday 26 - 16:30

From Sunday, all laptops sold in France must be equipped with a USB-C charging port, marking a major step toward the adoption of a universal charger standard across electronic devices.

This regulation stems from a European Union directive adopted in November 2022 and implemented in French law through a decree issued in December 2023. It aims to simplify charging systems for consumers and reduce electronic waste.

Since December 2024, most small and medium-sized electronic devices sold in France—including smartphones, tablets, cameras, gaming consoles, headphones, and e-readers—have already been required to comply with the USB-C standard. Laptops were granted an additional transition period, which officially ends on April 26, 2026.

As a result, manufacturers must now ensure that all newly marketed laptops include a USB-C port, allowing users to charge multiple devices using a single type of cable. The measure is expected to significantly reduce the need for multiple chargers and improve compatibility between devices.

However, the rule does not apply to all laptops. According to retailers, the requirement currently covers only devices with a power output of 100 watts or less. This excludes high-performance gaming laptops and certain professional-grade computers used for intensive tasks such as graphic design or video editing.

Retailers and manufacturers had already begun adapting their product lines in anticipation of the regulation, meaning most new models already comply with the standard.