Most people noticed the EU unifying chargers because phones switched to USB-C. Far fewer noticed that a regulation passed in October 2025 quietly pulled wireless charging into the same framework. In practice, buying a wireless charger in the future may mean checking whether it meets EU efficiency and interoperability rules.
The regulation is numbered (EU) 2025/2052, adopted on 13 October 2025. For the first time it groups wireless chargers, wireless charging pads, external power supplies, portable battery chargers and USB-C cables under one set of rules. Most provisions take effect on 14 December 2028, with a few transitional clauses already active from December 2025. What it really targets is three things: energy efficiency across load levels and standby, interoperability between devices from different makers, and the single Common Charger mark.
What it means for everyday buyers
The most visible effect is fewer products that claim 25W but barely deliver and run hot. Once efficiency thresholds are in place, makers have to invest in thermal design and standby draw instead of just printing bigger wattage numbers. For shoppers, looking for the certification and Common Charger mark matters more than the number on the box.
What it means for private-label and ODM brands
If you sell under your own brand or build for others, prepare earlier. A separate RED directive asks the European Commission to table harmonised wireless-charging rules by the end of 2026, and the supporting M/607 mandate has already gone to CENELEC, with standards expected before March 2027. Waiting until 2028 to assemble test reports and compliance files will be a scramble. The calm approach is to fold efficiency, standby and interoperability into design and certification planning now.
The short version: wireless charging is moving from 'it charges, good enough' to 'there are standards you can compare.' For buyers that means fewer bad surprises; for brands it means getting compliance right before the deadline.
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