The European Commission has recently officially published the latest Ecodesign Regulation on External Power Supplies (EPS), Regulation (EU) 2025/2052.
Mandatory implementation date: 14 December 2028
♦ Products Covered
- External Power Supplies (EPS)
- General-purpose portable battery chargers (e.g. AA, AAA battery chargers)
- Wireless chargers and wireless charging pads
- USB Type-C cables
♦ Key Updates to Requirements
A. Energy Efficiency Requirements
- EPS:
Minimum active efficiency requirements and maximum no-load (standby) power consumption limits are defined. - Wireless charging:
Standby power consumption limits are specified for wireless chargers and charging pads. - Test rules:
Updated testing procedures for EPS, especially for Adaptive EPS that can automatically adjust output voltage.
B. Interoperability Requirements (Common Charger)
- Mandatory interface:
In principle, all EPS must be equipped by default with at least one USB Type-C or USB Power Delivery (USB PD) interface. - Common charger logo:
Products must display a clearly visible “Common Charger” logo. - Exemptions:
Certain EPS designed for specific purposes (e.g. electric toothbrushes or vacuum cleaners) may be exempt. - USB Type-C cables:
The plug must be marked with its power rating (e.g. 60W or 240W) to allow easy user identification.
C. Product Information and Durability
- Surge protection:
Common chargers must remain functional after surge resistance tests (e.g. lightning surge tests). - Information disclosure:
Manufacturers must provide detailed technical specifications on the product nameplate, in the user manual, and on official websites.
♦ Scope of Application
| In Scope | Out of Scope |
| External Power Supplies (EPS) | External Power Supplies for medical equipment |
| General-purpose portable battery chargers (AA / AAA) | Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) |
| Wireless chargers and wireless charging pads | Power supply units for lighting equipment (control gear) |
| USB Type-C cables | External Power Supplies for transport equipment (e.g. e-bike chargers) |
| Docking stations for automation equipment |
♦ Expected Impact
- Energy saving:
By 2035, annual energy savings of approximately 3% over the EPS product lifecycle are expected, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 140,000 electric vehicles. - Environmental benefits:
Reduction of 9% in greenhouse gas emissions and 13% in pollutant emissions. - Economic benefits:
Consumers are expected to save approximately EUR 100 million per year. - Convenience:
An estimated 35%–40% of EPS in the EU market will become interoperable, significantly improving convenience and reducing electronic waste.
♦ Common Charger Logo – Design Specifications
- Placement:
The logo must be displayed on the nameplate, enclosure, packaging, and user manual. - Minimum size:
At least 5 mm in height on the nameplate, and 7 mm in other locations. - Power indication:
The logo must indicate the maximum power output of a single USB Type-C port (e.g. 45W). - Color options:
Color positive, color negative, and monochrome versions (black, white, yellow, etc.) are permitted to suit different backgrounds.
