If you are planning new products with USB-C interfaces, take note. Today, USB-IF certification is no longer an "option" but is evolving into a "required course" for entering mainstream global markets. Especially with regions like the EU writing it into law, understanding the latest 2025 rules is directly related to whether your product can launch smoothly.

Core Changes for 2025 USB-IF Certification:

First, clarify a key concept: For the global market now, especially in legislated regions like the EU, Saudi Arabia, and Korea, you need to pay attention to two parallel certification paths simultaneously.

1.Traditional USB-IF Certification: This is the voluntary, full-featured certification managed by the USB Implementers Forum. It comprehensively tests product electrical performance, protocol compatibility, and interoperability, aiming to ensure an optimal user experience. Upon passing, the product receives a unique TID number, is listed in the official Integrators List, and has the right to use the "Certified USB" logo.

2.Regional Mandatory Compliance Programs: Most typical is the EU's IEC 62680 Compliance Program. This is not a comprehensive certification but an "access test" established by the EU to meet the legal requirements of its Common Charger Directive. It only tests key items mandated by law, such as safety, power delivery, and basic connectivity, resulting in shorter test times and lower costs. Upon passing, the product is listed on a separate compliance list but cannot use the USB-IF "Certified USB" logo.

In short, if a product is only sold in the EU and aims to meet minimum legal requirements, the "Compliance Program" might suffice. However, if you want to prove top-tier quality and enter global high-end channels or e-commerce platforms, the full USB-IF certification remains essential hard currency.

  Latest USB-IF Certification Standards and Testing Focus (2025):

Regardless of the path chosen, your product needs testing based on the latest technical specifications. Here are current core standards requiring close attention:

·USB4® 80Gbps (USB4 Version 2): This is the current performance peak. Beyond the impressive 80Gbps bandwidth, an important aspect of the new rules is labeling reform: USB-IF requires devices to use intuitive speed labels (like "USB 80Gbps") instead of obscure technical terms like "USB4 v2" for better consumer understanding.

·USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.2: The core fast-charging specification. A clear 2025 requirement is that products with power delivery capability exceeding 27W must support the Adjustable Voltage Supply (*S) mode. This breaks the fixed voltage level limitation, allowing voltage fine-tuning in 100mV steps, which is crucial for laptops and high-power chargers.

·USB Type-C® 2.4: The latest connector specification. It strengthens requirements for power sharing management in multi-port chargers. For example, when a dual-port charger connects two devices simultaneously, the system needs to define its power distribution logic (prioritizing one or intelligently adjusting) and declare it correctly in the communication protocol.

Accordingly, the testing focus also revolves around these new features:

·Adjustable Voltage Supply (*S) Testing: Verifies if high-power devices can perform fine voltage adjustments per the specification.

·Fast Role Swap (FRS) Testing: Ensures power delivery is not interrupted when a device switches roles (e.g., from "charging" to "being charged"). This is now a mandatory item.

·Shared Capacity Testing: For multi-port chargers, verifies they can correctly disclose port power allocation information.

  USB-IF Certification Naming and Labeling:

To avoid continued consumer confusion with names like "USB 3.2 Gen 2x2," USB-IF is strongly promoting a more intuitive labeling system in 2025.

Now, speed and power are the absolute core of labeling. For example, a dock supporting 80Gbps data transfer and 240W charging should be labeled "USB 80Gbps" and "240W" on its packaging and body.

For cables, regulations are stricter: All USB-C to USB-C cables must be permanently marked with their power rating (60W or 240W) before being submitted for testing. Cables supporting high-speed data transfer must also be labeled with both speed and power, e.g., a "20Gbps/60W" combo label.

We hope this USB-IF certification overview combining the latest regulations and technical trends helps you plan your product certification strategy more clearly. If you can share more specific product types (e.g., charger, dock, or specific device), BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140, offers professional certification consulting services.