EU Releases External Power Supply Regulation (EU) 2025/2052 with Mandatory Enforcement from 2028

On November 24, 2025, the European Union officially published the new Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2025/2052 for external power supplies, repealing and replacing the previous regulation (EU) 2019/1782. The new regulation enters into force on December 14, 2025, with mandatory compliance required from December 14, 2028.

I. Scope of Application EU Regulation 2025/2052(New Additions)

In Scope:

1. General-purpose portable battery chargers

2. Wireless chargers and wireless charging pads

3. USB Type-C cables

Out of Scope:

1. Battery chargers for non-general purpose portable batteries

2. Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

3. Power supplies for light sources (“independent control gear”)

4. External power supplies for medical devices

5. Docking stations for autonomous devices

6. External power supplies for vehicles (including e-bike chargers)

7. Products where converted DC power is primarily for internal use (e.g., TVs or laptops with USB ports)

II. Core Ecodesign Requirements

01 Energy Efficiency Requirements

• No-load power ≤ 0.3 W (≤ 0.5 W for wireless chargers in standby).

• Higher average active efficiency (e.g., ≥ 0.517Po + 0.087 for ≤1W).

• New minimum efficiency requirement at 10% load (≥ 0.517Po + 0.087).

• USB cables: Energy loss must comply with USB standards.

02 Interoperability Requirements

• Annex II/III: EPS output ports must include at least one USB Type-C or USB-PD port (based on (EU) 2014/53).

• Prohibition of hard-wired Type-C cables (to prevent EPS waste due to cable damage).

• Output ports must be marked with maximum supported power.

• Must be equipped with a high level of surge protection (e.g., against lightning).

• Interoperable EPS must bear the “Common Charger” logo (Annex III design specifications) on the unit and display it on packaging/user instructions.

• Must be compatible with telecom equipment (e.g., wireless routers).

03 Testing & Measurement Methods

• Annex IV: Aligns with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) test procedure (87 FR 51221, 2022 version) as an interim method until EU standards are available.

• New tests for surge immunity, cable correction factors, and multi-port/adaptive EPS.

04 Information & Benchmarks

• Annex II: Extended to include maximum power marking information.

• Annex VI: Updated benchmarks.

• New “Common Charger” Logo: Interoperable power supplies (i.e., those compliant with USB Type-C standards) must print the specified logo on the nameplate, packaging, and instructions with a minimum height of 5mm. The “XX” in the logo must be replaced by the maximum rated output power provided by a single USB Type-C or USB-PD port.

• Output parameters (voltage, current, power): Decimal places are optional if the value is a whole number.

05 Conformity Assessment & Verification

• Annex V: Similar to previous, with added verification for surge protection/interoperability.

• A transition period allows EPS compliant with the old regulation to remain on the market.

This regulation aims to promote green design at the source, improve energy efficiency, and mandate unified interface standards. It is expected to present both new challenges and opportunities for the design and manufacturing of power supply products. Relevant manufacturers and exporters are advised to plan ahead, gain a thorough understanding of the regulatory details, and ensure product compliance.