If your product doesn't closely follow the HDMI 2.2 new regulations in 2025, even the best performance could be stopped by customs.
For any HDMI device manufacturer wanting to enter the US market, HDMI certification is a hurdle that cannot be bypassed. The essence of this certification is the legal authorization to use the HDMI trademark. With the official release of the HDMI 2.2 specification by the HDMI Forum in June 2025, certification requirements and processes have also welcomed important updates. Below is a systematic overview of the latest information as of November 2025.
Mandatory Nature & Latest Basis for US HDMI 2.2 Certification:
1.Trademark Authorization is Core:
Any product that wants to legally use the HDMI trademark, logo, or name must have its manufacturer be an authorized Adopter of the HDMI Forum, and the product must pass the designated Compliance Testing.
2.Customs Active Enforcement:
The HDMI Forum cooperates with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to monitor imported goods. Products using the HDMI trademark without certification will be treated as infringing goods, facing detention or even destruction risks.
3.Impact of 2025 New Regulations:
Although the HDMI 2.2 specification has been released, the Forum may at some point in the future mandatorily require new products to comply with this specification. At that time, product certifications supporting only older specifications may become invalid. For new products, considering support for the latest HDMI 2.2 specification from the initial design stage is key to avoiding market access risks.
US HDMI 2.2 Certification Document Checklist:
1.Enterprise Qualification Documents:
·Business License.
·HDMI Adopter Membership Proof. Membership types include Standard Member (Annual fee $10,000 USD, no production limit) and Low Volume Member (Annual fee $5,000 USD, annual production ≤ 5,000 units).
·HDCP Membership Registration Proof (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection protocol).
2.Product Technical Documents:
·Product Specification Sheet, clearly marking the maximum supported resolution, refresh rate, and bandwidth. For devices supporting HDMI 2.2, clearly indicate support for 12K@120Hz, 16K@60Hz, and 96Gbps bandwidth.
·Critical Components List, especially the model numbers and certification information of interface chips.
·Circuit Schematics and PCB Layout.
·Product Label Design Draft, must ensure the HDMI logo height is not less than 3mm.
3.Test Samples & Reports:
·Prepare at least 2 near-production-ready prototype units (one with HDCP disabled for protocol testing, one with HDCP enabled for functional verification).
·If Pre-testing has been conducted, provide the pre-test report to help identify issues early.
Five Certification Processes from Application to Certification for HDMI 2.2:
1.Member Registration & Qualification Audit (Approx. 1-2 weeks):
Companies must register on the HDMI Forum website to become an "Adopter" and choose the appropriate membership plan. This stage also requires simultaneous completion of HDCP membership registration.
2.Pre-testing & Rectification (Highly Recommended, Approx. 2-4 weeks):
Before submitting formal testing, it is highly recommended to conduct pre-testing at an Authorized Test Center (ATC). Mainly checks Electrical Performance (e.g., signal integrity), Protocol Compatibility (e.g., EDID communication, HDCP 2.3 encryption verification), and Device Interoperability.
3.Submit Formal Testing (Approx. 1-3 weeks):
This is the core link to verify product compliance. Test content covers signal integrity, protocol consistency, etc. For devices supporting HDMI 2.2, mandatory test items such as FRL protocol connection success rate verification (failure rate ≤1%) must also be passed.
4.Review & Certification Issuance (Approx. 1 week):
After testing passes, the laboratory submits the report to the HDMI Forum for review. Upon passing, the HDMI certificate and QDID certification number are obtained, thus granting the trademark usage license.
5.Compliant Production & Market Surveillance (Ongoing):
After obtaining certification, companies must fulfill ongoing obligations, including:
·Pay Royalties: Paid per unit sold (No logo $0.15/unit, With logo $0.05/unit).
·Comply with Trademark Specifications.
·Respond to Market Spot Checks: The HDMI Forum conducts market surveillance. Improper use of trademarks may lead to goods detention or membership cancellation.
HDMI 2.2 Certificate Validity:
Permanent, but Conditional:
The HDMI certification certificate itself is described as永久有效, but its validity is based on strict conditions:
1.No Major Changes in Product Design: Hardware or core firmware unchanged (e.g., changing interface chips requires re-certification).
2.Continuous Payment of Membership Annual Fee: Membership must be renewed annually, otherwise certification status automatically becomes invalid.
3.Compliance with Latest Mandatory Standards: If the HDMI Forum releases new standards (e.g., the HDMI 2.2 specification released in 2025) and mandates their implementation, re-testing and adaptation are required, otherwise the old certification may become invalid.
Dealing with US HDMI 2.2 certification preparing the qualification and technical documents, understanding the conditional validity of the certificate, and closely monitoring the latest certification dynamics of Cat 4 connectors and Ultra96 cables. Only by keeping up with standard iterations can products ensure smooth sailing in the overseas market. BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140, will provide you with professional certification consulting services!
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