USB-IF Launches EU Compliance Channel; IEC 240W Standard to Take Effect in 2026, Ushering in New Regulations for Fast-Charging Industry

Recently, two key upgrades have arrived in the global USB-C sector, directly impacting the industrial layout of consumer electronics, chargers, data cables and other related products. The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has officially launched its compliance test program for the EU Universal Charger, opening a “fast track” for enterprises to access the European market. Meanwhile, the USB-C PD 240W high-power standard (IEC 63315 ED1), led by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), is in the final release stage and is expected to officially take effect in July 2026. The simultaneous advancement of the two standards marks that the global fast-charging industry will enter a new stage of development featuring safety compliance + high-power compatibility, and also brings new market opportunities for relevant enterprises.

EU Compliance Channel Opened for Easier Market Access for Enterprises Exporting to Europe

In response to the EU Universal Charger Directive (EU) 2022/2380, USB-IF has recently launched a dedicated compliance test program, focusing on the compliance verification of USB-C interfaces and PD protocols, helping OEM/ODM manufacturers quickly meet the mandatory requirements of the European market.

According to the EU Directive:Starting from 28 December 2024, portable electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets must be equipped with a unified USB-C interface.Compliance requirements for high-power devices such as laptops will take effect on 28 April 2026.

The compliance program launched by USB-IF covers two core requirements:

● USB-C connectors and cables must comply with EN IEC 62680-1-3:2024;

● Devices with power exceeding 15W must support the PD protocol in EN IEC 62680-1-2:2024 to ensure interoperability across brands.

Products that pass the program will receive a Certificate of Compliance issued by USB-IF and be listed on the official compliance list, allowing direct access to the markets of all 27 EU member states.Compared with traditional certification processes, the program adds convenient measures such as exemption from repeated testing for similar products, which can significantly reduce compliance costs and shorten time-to-market for enterprises.

240W High-Power Standard to Be Released, Fast-Charging Technology Scales Up

In the high-power fast-charging sector, the advancement of the new IEC 63315 ED1 standard has attracted extensive industry attention.As a dedicated standard replacing the old IEC 62368-3, its core breakthrough lies in replacing the traditional static power limit with a protocol-based dynamic protection mechanism, thoroughly solving safety and compatibility issues in 240W (48V/5A) high-power scenarios.

Initiated in 2019, the standard has undergone six years of technical demonstration, completed public consultation in July 2025, and passed core technical reviews. Its official release date is set for 31 July 2026.

The new standard clearly specifies:

● USB-C PD devices with output power exceeding 100W must negotiate power output in real time via protocols;

● Enclosures must use V-0 flame-retardant materials;

● Non-USB PD 3.1 proprietary fast-charging protocols must undergo additional safety verification to avoid compliance risks.