Effective today, April 28, the European Union bans the sale of new laptops that draw more than 100 W without a USB‑C charging port. The rule, enforced by the European Commission, mirrors the 2024 smartphone mandate and targets e‑waste from disparate power adapters. Any laptop rated at 100 W or less must ship with USB‑C as its primary charger across the EU market for both consumer and business users.

Manufacturers can still offer alternative connectors, but only alongside USB‑C for models staying within the 100 W ceiling. Gaming rigs that exceed that threshold may retain traditional barrel plugs, sidestepping the restriction. The regulation excludes second‑hand devices, focusing solely on brand‑new units entering the EU supply chain, which narrows compliance to initial production runs, and can be marketed with the same power brick across regions.

The move forces brands like Apple, Dell and Lenovo to redesign low‑power notebooks, potentially simplifying chargers for consumers who already use USB‑C on phones and tablets. By consolidating the connector, the EU hopes to cut redundant cables and lower disposal rates. Compliance becomes a legal prerequisite, meaning non‑USB‑C laptops under 100 W will disappear from European shelves. This uniformity also eases travel charging and reduces accessory costs.