Overview

Amazon has begun strict enforcement of the updated European Union Radio Equipment Directive (RED) for all wireless electronic products sold on its EU marketplaces. The new rules require a USB‑C charging port, the option to purchase the device without a bundled charger, and the display of standardized charging pictograms on each product detail page. Sellers who do not update their listings immediately risk having those listings deactivated, which can instantly cut off sales in the EU.

Key Points

• USB‑C port requirement — Every wireless electronic item must feature a USB‑C connector that complies with IEC 62680‑1‑2, such as a 2023‑model Bluetooth speaker that now ships with a USB‑C input instead of a micro‑USB.
• Charger‑free option — Amazon mandates a separate “no‑charger” buying choice; a seller of wireless earbuds created a second ASIN that lists the earbuds alone, while the original ASIN continues to include the charging case.
• Standard pictograms — Listings must automatically generate icons that indicate “USB‑C charging” and “charger included” or “charger not included,” similar to the icons seen on a 2024‑release smartphone page.
• Six new attributes — Sellers must fill out fields for charger inclusion, charging speed, battery capacity, rechargeable status, USB‑C compliance, and IEC standard reference; missing any field triggers non‑compliance.
• Immediate deactivation — Amazon’s monitoring system now flags and removes any listing that lacks the required attributes or shows an incompatible charging port, often within hours of detection.
• Labeling obligations for manufacturers — Physical products sold by the seller‑as‑manufacturer must carry a label stating “USB‑C (IEC 62680‑1‑2) compliant” and display the same charging pictograms found online.

How the New RED Requirements Work

1. Attribute entry — Sellers log into Seller Central, navigate to the “Edit product information” page, and populate the six new charging fields. For example, a seller of a wireless mouse enters “Charger included: Yes,” “Charging port: USB‑C (IEC 62680‑1‑2),” and “Battery capacity: 120 mAh.”