On November 24, 2025, the European Commission officially promulgated the new Energy Efficiency Regulation (EU) 2025/2052 for external power supplies. The regulation sets out eco-design requirements in accordance with EU Directive 2009/125/EC and aims to significantly improve the environmental performance of energy-related products and promote Europe's transition to resource conservation and circular economy. The new regulation also repealed the original Regulation (EU) 2019/1782. The implementation of this regulation is expected to bring new challenges and opportunities to the design and manufacturing of power products around the world.
Scope of application and implementation time
The new regulations not only cover external power supplies (EPS), but also include wireless chargers, wireless charging pads, universal portable battery chargers, and USB Type-C cables in the scope of ecological design controls. The new regulations have a three-year transition period, and most of the requirements will be mandatory from December 14, 2028.
Core content 1: USB Type-C becomes a universal interface
One of the core goals of the new regulations is to enhance device interoperability. Unless eligible for an exemption, the AC-DC external power supply must be designed as an "interoperable EPS" and equipped with at least one USB Type-C or USB PD port (i.e., a USB Type-C interface that supports the USB PD fast charging protocol). To prevent premature device obsolescence due to cable damage, interoperable EPS must support standard pluggable USB Type-C cables and must not use fixed output cables.
In addition, universal portable battery chargers rated for input power up to 100W, as well as non-exempt wireless chargers and wireless charging pads, must also be equipped with a USB Type-C port at the DC input and powered by an interoperable EPS.
Core content 2: Stricter energy efficiency and labeling requirements
The new regulations put forward stricter standards in terms of energy efficiency
No-load power consumption limit: Set the maximum power consumption limit for different types of EPS, for example, the no-load power consumption of a single-voltage AC-DC EPS must not exceed 0.075W.
New efficiency indicators: Introduce low load efficiency (10% load) and average active efficiency requirements (based on minimum performance at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% load).
Wireless charging standby limits: The standby power consumption of wireless charging pads is also clearly regulated, such as wireless charging pads with non-hardened DC cables, whose DC input power consumption must not exceed 0.50W.
In terms of identification, interoperable EPS must be labeled as "universal charger" and clearly marked with the maximum output rating. At the same time, USB Type-C cables must also indicate the maximum supported power on the plug, such as "60W" or "240W".
The CTTL Terminal Labs will continue to track the latest developments in this new regulation and the supporting harmonized standards. Relying on the laboratory's professional capabilities in the fields of USB-IF, CE-RED Common Charger, safety regulations and energy efficiency testing and certification, it helps enterprises accurately grasp the technical direction and quickly complete product upgrades. We also sincerely welcome industry partners to communicate and cooperate with us to jointly respond to regulatory changes and provide full technical escort for Chinese products to smoothly enter the global market.
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