For manufacturers and brands exporting 3C products, 2025–2026 is a “critical year for USB certification compliance.” Intensive updates to technical specifications and the global rollout of mandatory regulations are reshaping industry thresholds. This article cuts through marketing hype to highlight core changes to the USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum) certification system, paired with the latest regional regulations, to deliver a “future-ready” compliance strategy.
Current certification standards go far beyond basic connectivity—they focus on enhancing user experience, optimizing energy management, and strengthening ecosystem interoperability.
1.USB Type-C 2.4: “Rule Reshaping” for Interface DesignReleased in October 2024, Type-C Specification Version 2.4 resolves longstanding ambiguities in design. One of its most critical updates is defining a certification path for “charging-only interfaces.” This allows receptacles to omit high-speed data transmission pins, retaining only 14 core pins for power supply and communication—an economical compliance solution for cost-sensitive devices like small home appliances. However, a hard requirement for testing success is: The D+ and D- pins must be shorted internally within the connector and not connected to an external PCB.
Additionally, the new standard clarifies mechanical dimensions and testing requirements for right-angle plugs, eliminating design disputes entirely. A highly practical adjustment: The rated current requirement for the VCONN pin has been reduced from 1.25A to 0.5A, significantly easing thermal management pressure for small chargers. For high-performance products, the bar has been raised: Testing for USB4 high-speed cables now includes a 12.8GHz frequency point, imposing stricter requirements for signal integrity.
2.USB PD 3.2: Fast Charging Enters the “Precision Regulation” EraThe USB PD 3.2 specification has become the cornerstone of high-power fast charging. Its core change is the mandation of Adjustable Voltage Supply (AVS) mode: Any power supply product with output exceeding 27W must support AVS for finer energy efficiency management and battery protection.
At the same time, Fast Role Swap (FRS) testing has become mandatory to ensure uninterrupted power during instant role transitions—critical for multi-device collaboration scenarios like laptops and docking stations. For multi-port chargers, the new standard strengthens testing for Shared Capacity management logic, requiring products to clearly declare and verify their multi-port power distribution strategies—directly impacting users’ actual charging experiences.
3.USB4 80Gbps: Ecosystem Certification and Label StandardizationThe USB4 v2.0 standard boosts theoretical bandwidth to 80Gbps, with certification focus shifting from technical implementation to ecosystem standardization. The USB-IF is aggressively promoting intuitive “performance labels” (e.g., “80Gbps”) to replace confusing version numbers, and proper use of the new labels is now a certification requirement.
In certification practice, the first USB LRD 40Gbps 240W 3m active cable received certification in early 2026, marking the maturity of certification paths for long-distance, high-performance cables. Enterprises must note a key policy transition: The grace period for certifying against the older USB PD 3.1 standard has been extended to March 2026, after which all new products must comply with updated specifications like PD 3.2.
II. Global Mandatory Regulatory Landscape for USB-IF Certification
Multiple major markets have enshrined USB Type-C and PD protocols into law, making certification a “customs clearance necessity” rather than a “quality bonus.” Regulatory timelines vary by country—precision is key:
1.EU Regulations (In Effect): The most critical deadline is April 28, 2026, by which all laptops sold in the EU must be compliant. Enterprises must obtain a Declaration of Conformity via the USB-IF IEC 62680 Compliance Scheme. Important note: This path only meets the minimum legal requirements and does not allow use of the “Certified USB” official mark—though it offers lower costs and shorter lead times.
2.South Korea (Legislated, Implementation Delayed): The latest effective date is November 5, 2026, covering all 13 device categories. Enterprises must obtain SDoC certification from South Korea’s RRA, with testing referencing USB-IF standards.
3.Saudi Arabia (Phased Implementation): Phase 2 launches on April 1, 2026, expanding mandatory control to laptops. Products must comply with SASO IEC 62680 standards and apply for a CoC certificate via the SABER platform.
Understanding the fundamental difference between “full certification” and “regulatory compliance schemes” is critical. The former is a voluntary quality certification for global interoperability excellence; the latter is a mandatory compliance requirement for market access in specific regions, with a narrower testing scope. Strategically, since technical standards in the EU, Saudi Arabia, and other regions are equivalent to or reference IEC 62680, enterprises can adopt a “one core test, multiple country reports” synergy strategy—using EU compliance test reports as the basis for Saudi certification—significantly reducing costs and time.
The 2026 USB certification environment has evolved into a systematic project integrating technical foresight, global regulatory insight, and refined project management. For enterprises, the most cost-effective strategy is to embed compliance design early into product definition and R&D. This not only avoids costly late-stage modifications but also transforms “compliance” from a passive expense into an active brand asset that builds trust in global markets. For professional certification consulting, contact BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140.
