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Do phone chargers need CE marking?

Updated

Short answer

Yes.

A mains phone charger is an external power supply rated well inside the Low Voltage Directive range (50 to 1,000 V AC input). It needs conformity with the LVD 2014/35/EU, the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and RoHS 2011/65/EU, an EU declaration of conformity and CE marking. It must also meet the ecodesign rules for external power supplies in Regulation (EU) 2019/1782, which will be replaced by Regulation (EU) 2025/2052 from 14 December 2028, bringing wireless chargers and USB-C cables into scope.

What changes the answer

  • Charger vs phone. The common charger rules in Directive (EU) 2022/2380 apply to the radio equipment, such as phones, headphones and speakers. Since 28 December 2024 those devices must have a USB-C port and be offered without a charger. The standalone charger is governed by the LVD, EMC, RoHS and ecodesign rules.
  • Ecodesign today. 2019/1782 sets minimum average active efficiency and no-load power limits for external power supplies, and since 1 April 2020 requires output voltage, current and power on the nameplate.
  • Ecodesign from 2028. 2025/2052 covers external power supplies, wireless chargers, wireless charging pads, battery chargers for portable batteries and USB Type-C cables, with tighter efficiency limits and interoperability information. It repeals 2019/1782 with effect from 14 December 2028.
  • Wireless chargers. A Qi pad is radio equipment under the RED 2014/53/EU, which covers safety and EMC through Article 3, rather than the LVD.
  • EU contact and take-back. These directives are listed in Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020, so an EU economic operator must hold the documentation. Chargers are also electrical equipment for WEEE registration in each member state.

What to do

  1. Test to the harmonised standards for safety (typically EN IEC 62368-1), EMC emissions and immunity, and RoHS.
  2. Measure efficiency and no-load power to the 2019/1782 methods and put the required data on the nameplate and in the technical documentation.
  3. Sign the EU declaration of conformity, affix CE marking and keep the technical file for 10 years.
  4. Mark the charger or packaging with the manufacturer's name and postal address, the importer's for imports, and type or serial number.
U.S. HTS line for chargers
  • 8504.40.95.10

    8504: Electrical transformers, static converters (for example, rectifiers) and inductors; parts thereof

    Static converters / Rectifiers and rectifying apparatus / Power supplies / With a power output not exceeding 50 W

    Power supplies with an output not over 50 W, the usual line for phone wall chargers.

    General rate
    Free

Next steps

Frequently asked questions

Does the EU require USB-C on chargers?
The USB-C port requirement in Directive 2022/2380 applies to listed radio equipment such as phones. Chargers themselves will face interoperability rules under Regulation 2025/2052 from 14 December 2028.
Is a GaN charger treated differently?
No. The technology does not change the rules. GaN chargers are external power supplies like any other.
Do I need a notified body for a phone charger?
Usually no. The LVD and EMC Directive use internal production control. A wireless charger under the RED can need one if harmonised standards are not fully applied.

Sources

  1. Directive 2014/35/EU, Low Voltage Directive, EUR-Lex
  2. Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1782, ecodesign requirements for external power supplies, EUR-Lex
  3. Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/2052, ecodesign requirements for external power supplies and chargers, EUR-Lex
  4. Directive (EU) 2022/2380 amending the Radio Equipment Directive (common charger), EUR-Lex

This is general information drawn from the official sources linked above. It is not legal advice. Rules change and often turn on the facts of your product, so confirm your test plan with an accredited lab and your obligations with qualified counsel before you import or sell.