The EU Common Charger Directive (CCD) has been in effect since the 28th of December 2024. It aims to reduce electronic waste by designating a single charger type for certain chargeable devices.
On eBay, this directive applies to business sellers only. The directive mostly applies to new products, however it is also applicable to used products, if they are first placed in the EU and Northern Ireland markets after the 28th of December 2024.
Business sellers who are offering certain electronic devices for sale in the EU and Northern Ireland markets for the first time must:
- Only offer electronic devices that have a USB-C port
- Offer the option to buy the electronic device without a charger, if it is being offered for sale with a charger
- Display a pictogram and label on their listings
The second clause is the most annoying one, many manufacturers have taken the easy option and simply sell chargers separately that’s why many major smartphone manufacturers don’t supply a charger with a new phone. You might think “So What?” as you’ve got the charger from your old mobile, but it’s not quite that straightforward. The chances are that your new smartphone supports faster charging and your old charger simply isn’t up to the job, so now you have to buy a new one anyway!
Devices that the directive applies to include:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Digital cameras
- Headphones
- Headsets
- Handheld videogame consoles
- Portable speakers
- e-readers
- Keyboards
- Computer mice
- Portable navigation systems
- Earbuds (including their dedicated charging case or box)
- Starting on the 28th of April 2026 these requirements will also apply to laptops.
Your listing must include:
- A pictogram, explaining if charging equipment is included or not
- A label, indicating the power range in Watts needed to recharge the device, and if the electronic device supports USB-PD (fast charging)
