EU Common Charger Rules (2028) + Ecodesign: Key Updates

Three major regulatory developments are reshaping product compliance requirements across energy efficiency, electronics, and EMC standards.

These updates carry significant implications for compliance workflows, supply chain readiness, and design specifications - especially for manufacturers targeting EU and Vietnam markets.

🇪🇺 Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2024/1103 for Space Heaters

On 19 April 2024, the European Commission adopted new eco-design rules for space heaters, aiming to reduce energy consumption and simplify repairs.

The regulation also covers products previously excluded from the scope, such as electric towel rails, large tubular heaters (typically used in open spaces like factories), and "slave heaters" without internal controls.

Manufacturers are required to provide spare parts and related repair information for repairs to the products. Replacement parts must be delivered within 15 working days of ordering. Limits are also set for the maximum energy consumption of appliances in low-power modes, such as the off or standby modes.

Statut: Active enforcement — In addition to eco-design guidelines, energy labeling requirements for space heaters are also being reviewed. However, this process is expected to be completed by 2025.

Learn more here

🏭 What This Means for Manufacturers

• Conduct a scope reassessment: previously exempt products (e.g. electric towel rails, tubular heaters) now fall under the regulation.
• Update parts inventory and logistics systems to meet 15-day replacement fulfillment requirements.
• Integrate eco-mode thresholds into product design specs to stay compliant with standby power consumption limits.

🇪🇺 EU Common Charger Rules: USB-C External Power Supplies (from 2028)

The European Commission has revised the eco-design requirements for external power supplies (EPS), or chargers. This step complements the harmonization of device charging ports and fast-charging technologies under the Radio Equipment Directive.

All USB chargers on the EU market will be required to have at least one USB Type-C port and work with detachable cables. The rules cover all external power supplies that charge or power devices such as laptops, smartphones, wireless routers, and computer monitors.

To inform consumers and facilitate correct pairing, all devices covered by the new interoperability rules will display a prominent "EU Common Charger" logo.

Statut: Active enforcement — The new rules will come into force three years after they are enacted, that is, at the end of 2028.

Learn more here

🏭 What This Means for Manufacturers

• Begin transition planning for all EPS-related SKUs — mandatory USB-C and logo display will apply from 2028.
• Align product design and packaging updates with interoperability standards and visual marking rules.
• Anticipate increased component sourcing complexity — dual-mode fast charging and cable standards must be supported.

🇻🇳 Vietnam EMC Regulation (Draft QCVN): ETSI EN 301 489-52 (2026–2027)

This draft national technical regulation sets new electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for mobile communication devices and their associated equipment in Vietnam’s digital cellular systems.

Products such as mobile phones (including smartphones) and ancillary equipment like chargers and headsets are included. The draft references ETSI EN 301 489-52 V1.3.1 (2024-11) and requires matching test reports, EMC test plans, a technical dossier, and a declaration of conformity prepared by an accredited laboratory.

Statut: Active enforcement — Adoption date is January 1, 2026; entry into force January 1, 2027.

Learn more here

🏭 What This Means for Manufacturers

• Map SKUs to scope: verify which mobile devices and accessories fall under the EMC rule.
• Begin lab coordination: test plans and reports must align with ETSI EN 301 489-52 V1.3.1 — ensure your testing partners are accredited.
• Prepare documentation early: declarations of conformity and technical files must be market-ready before Jan 2027.

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