For manufacturers planning to launch USB-C or fast-charging products, understanding the USB-IF certification framework is no longer just about obtaining a "quality badge." In 2025, it has become a strategic imperative for market access, regulatory compliance, and technological competitiveness.
This article will provide an in-depth breakdown of USB-IF’s core certification standards, key testing programs, covered product range, and the mandatory regulatory pathways you must know.
USB-IF certification standards are dynamically updated, with current focus centered on the following key specifications:
1.USB4® 80Gbps (USB4 Version 2.0): Representing the pinnacle of current data transfer technology, bandwidth has doubled to 80Gbps. New regulations emphasize intuitive labeling, requiring products to use performance-based labels such as "USB 80Gbps" instead of technical jargon.
2.USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.2: The core specification for fast-charging technology. A critical update mandates that all products with power delivery capability exceeding 27W must support the Adjustable Voltage Supply (*S) mode. This allows for precise voltage adjustment in 100mV increments, which is essential for high-power devices.
3.USB Type-C® 2.4: The latest connector specification, which strengthens requirements for power-sharing management in multi-port chargers. For example, when a multi-port charger is connected to multiple devices, it must clearly define its power distribution logic and accurately declare this information externally.
Key USB-IF Global Certification Testing Programs
Beyond basic electrical performance and protocol compatibility testing, 2025’s testing priorities place greater emphasis on intelligent power management:
1.Fast Role Swap: Ensuring uninterrupted power supply when devices switch between source and sink roles—it is now a mandatory test item.
2.*Adjustable Voltage Supply (S) Testing: Specifically verifies whether high-power devices can perform precise voltage adjustments in accordance with specifications.
3.Power Sharing Testing: For multi-port devices, validates the ability to accurately disclose power distribution strategies between ports.
USB-IF Global Certification Product Scope
The certification covers the entire USB ecosystem:
1.Cables and Connectors: All USB-C cables and interfaces.
2.Power Products: Chargers, power banks, and fast-charging enabled hubs.
3.Hosts and Peripherals: Laptops, mobile phones, docking stations, USB flash drives, keyboards, mice, etc.
A notable trend is that using pre-certified core chips (e.g., main controllers, protocol chips, E-Marker chips) is a shortcut to expediting product certification.
The Critical Mandatory Compliance Pathway: EU IEC 62680
This is particularly important in 2025. The EU’s Common Charger Directive has incorporated USB-C and USB PD into law, spawning a new compliance pathway: the USB-IF IEC 62680 Conformity Program.
It differs fundamentally from traditional USB-IF certification:
1.Different Purposes: This is a mandatory market access test to meet EU legal requirements, not a voluntary quality certification.
2.Narrower Scope: Only tests key items mandated by regulations, such as safety, power supply, and basic connectivity. As a result, testing cycles are extremely short (e.g., just one day for dual-port devices) with lower costs.
3.Different Outcomes: Upon passing, products are listed in a dedicated conformity register but are not authorized to use the "Certified USB" logo. The compliance deadline for laptops is April 8, 2026, and we are currently in the critical preparation phase.
In addition to the EU, regions including Saudi Arabia and South Korea have also enacted legislation requiring products to pass local certifications based on USB-IF standards (e.g., Saudi Arabia’s SASO IEC 62680).
We hope this overview of USB-IF global certification, integrating the latest technological and regulatory developments, will help you better plan your product strategy. If you can share more specific product types and target markets, BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140 will provide professional certification consulting services.
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