The core change in USB-IF certification is that regions including the European Union and Saudi Arabia have incorporated USB Type-C interfaces and related technical specifications into mandatory regulations. In response, USB-IF introduced a new testing process named the "Compliance with IEC 62680 (USB) Specification Program" to help manufacturers quickly meet market access requirements in these regions.
The table below summarizes key countries/regions that have legislated mandatory USB Type-C requirements.
| Country/Region | Regulatory Status | Implementation Timeline | Covered Product Scope | Special Requirements/Notes |
| European Union | Enforced | Portable Devices: Jan 1, 2025 Laptops: Apr 1, 2026 | 13 categories of portable devices (phones, tablets, headphones, cameras, portable speakers, keyboards, mice, etc.) | Must pass the "USB-IF Compliance with IEC 62680 Program" testing for proof of compliance. |
| Saudi Arabia | Legislated | Phase 1: Jan 1, 2025 Phase 2 (Laptops): Apr 1, 2026 | 7 product categories (phones, mice, keyboards, cameras, routers, etc.) | Must comply with SASO IEC 62680 standard and apply for COC certificate via the SABER platform. |
| South Korea | Legislated (Postponed) | Originally Feb 14, 2025; postponed, date TBD | 13 categories of devices (phones, tablets, headphones, game consoles, etc.) | Requires RRA SDoC certification; testing must reference USB-IF standards. |
| India, Brazil | Under Legislation | Expected 2025 (TBD) | Expected to cover portable devices like phones, tablets. | Expected to follow the EU's regulatory model. |
Beyond the table, several key points require special emphasis:
New Regulation Core: IEC 62680 Compliance Program：
This new program was launched by USB-IF in response to mandatory regulations in the EU and other regions. It differs from the well-known, comprehensive USB-IF Official Certification:
·Focused Test Scope: This program tests only key items required by regulation (e.g., USB Type-C interface, USB PD power delivery), not a full certification of all USB functions. Thus, it has a shorter timeline and lower cost.
·Different Purpose: Its primary goal is to help manufacturers quickly obtain proof of compliance for market access. Products passing this program cannot use the official "Certified USB" logo but are listed on the USB-IF product search page marked as compliant with IEC 62680 only. For superior interoperability and market recognition, full USB-IF certification is still required.
EU Convenience Measure: QbS Program：
To further streamline the process, USB-IF also offers the EU Compliance Program (QbS). If your company has multiple hardware-similar product models requiring certification, you can use this program to submit up to 99 products for compliance assessment at once, significantly improving efficiency.
Your Action Plan：
1.Confirm Target Markets: First, identify your product's target sales regions. If involving legislated regions like the EU or Saudi Arabia, budget time and resources for IEC 62680 compliance testing.
2.Choose the Right Test Path: Contact a USB-IF Authorized Independent Test Laboratory (ITL). Explain your market needs, and they will help determine whether full USB-IF certification or just IEC 62680 compliance testing is required.
3.Monitor Energy Efficiency Regulations: The EU is drafting an Ecodesign Regulation for External Power Supplies (EPS), also mandating USB Type-C and USB PD. This regulation is expected to potentially be legislated in Q3 2025; ongoing monitoring is advised.
We hope this overview of USB-IF certification new regulations is helpful. For professional certification consulting services, please contact BLUEASIA: 13534225140.
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