USB-IF Certification: Standards & Test Items

2025-10-24

USB-IF certification helps ensure your product's compatibility and performance. The table below summarizes the core certification standards and programs as of 2025 for a quick overview.

Certification DimensionCore Content & Latest Requirements (2025)
Foundation Protocol CertsUSB4® 80Gbps (USB4 V2), USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.2, USB Type-C® 2.4
Core Test Items  Electrical Performance, Protocol Compliance, Interoperability, Fast Role Swap (FRS), Adjustable Voltage Supply (AVS)
Regional Mandatory CertsEU IEC 62680 Compliance Program, Saudi SASO IEC 62680, South Korea RRA SDoC (references USB-IF standards)
Certification Grace PeriodsUSB PD3.1 (R3.1 V1.8) certification grace period extended to March 2026

Core Certification Standards Interpretation:

Current USB-IF certification primarily revolves around the following key technical standards:

1.USB4® 80Gbps (USB4 V2): This is the latest high-speed data standard, offering bandwidth up to 80Gbps. Note that USB-IF now requires products to use more intuitive performance labels (e.g., "80Gbps") instead of traditional version numbers for consumer clarity.

2.USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.2: This is the core specification for fast charging. New rules mandate that any product with a power delivery capability exceeding 27W must support AVS (Adjustable Voltage Supply) mode. AVS allows voltage to be finely adjusted in 100mV increments within specific ranges, breaking previous fixed voltage level constraints. This is particularly important for laptops, high-power chargers, etc.

3.USB Type-C® 2.4: This version strengthens requirements for Shared Capacity management in multi-port chargers (≥2 ports). For example, when two devices are connected simultaneously, the system must clearly define whether power is allocated "Highest to Lowest" or "Evenly Distributed".

  Key Test Item Analysis:

Beyond routine electrical and protocol compliance tests, the following are key recently added items:

1.Fast Role Swap (FRS): This test evaluates whether the power system can rapidly switch roles without interrupting power when roles change (e.g., a portable device switching from receiving to providing power). Currently, FRS Initial Sink test is mandatory, ensuring power stability and continuity.

2.Adjustable Voltage Supply (AVS): As mentioned, this is a new requirement for high-power devices. Testing verifies if the product can precisely adjust output voltage in 100mV steps within specified ranges like 9V-20V.

3.Shared Capacity: For chargers or devices with two or more USB Type-C ports. Testing requires the product to implement the Discover Identity response message and provide correct DFP VDO (Downstream Facing Port Data Object) information. During testing, the device must temporarily disable its dynamic power sharing policy to simulate single-port maximum power allocation.

4.Extended Power Range (EPR): This test targets products supporting 240W high-power charging. The USB-IF test plan now covers products supporting a single EPR supply port and multiple SPR (Standard Power Range) supply ports.

  Regional Mandatory Certification Guide:

It is particularly important to note that regions like the EU and Saudi Arabia have incorporated USB Type-C and USB PD into mandatory regulations, requiring products to pass local certifications based on USB-IF standards.

1.EU Compliance Program (IEC 62680): The EU mandates that portable devices sold in its market comply with the IEC 62680 standard. USB-IF introduced the dedicated "Compliance with IEC 62680 Specification Program" for this. This program is not full USB-IF certification; it only tests key items required by regulation, thus having lower cost and a shorter timeline (e.g., testing for a dual-port product might take just 1 day). Products certified under this program are listed on the USB-IF website but cannot use the official "Certified USB" logo.

2.Saudi Arabia & South Korea: Saudi Arabia requires compliance with the SASO IEC 62680 standard and application for a COC certificate via the SABER platform. South Korea requires RRA SDoC certification, with testing referencing USB-IF standards. Note: South Korea's regulation, originally slated for Feb 14, 2025, has been postponed, with a new date TBD.


We hope this overview of USB-IF certification standards and programs aids your planning and preparation. For professional certification consulting services, please contact BLUEASIA: 13534225140.