Saudi Arabia, through the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), has mandated the use of USB Type-C charging ports for mobile phones and electronic devices.
The phases of implementing USB Type-C charging ports in the Saudi Arabian market were announced on August 6, 2023. The first phase began on January 1, 2025.
Mandatory USB Type-C charging ports for mobile phones and electronic devices sold in Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly impact manufacturers and importers.
Purpose of Using USB Type-C Charging Ports
The use of USB Type-C charging ports for mobile phones and electronic devices is not without purpose. The Saudi Arabian government implemented this decision with several desired goals:
- Improving the user experience in Saudi Arabia
- Reducing additional costs for consumers
- Providing high-quality charging and data transfer technology
- Improving the quality of technological products
By reducing e-waste, this policy is expected to promote environmental sustainability and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Policy Implementation Phase
The policy of using USB Type-C charging ports in the Saudi Arabian market cannot be implemented immediately, considering that many products have been manufactured and marketed for a long time.
Therefore, the Saudi Arabian government announced this policy in August 2023. The implementation of this policy is divided into two phases, with the first phase starting on January 1, 2025. Preparations for the second phase will then begin on April 1, 2026.
1. First phase
The first phase of mandatory USB Type-C charging port implementation will begin 16 months after the decision is issued. During this phase, a significant number of devices will be categorized as requiring integrated charging ports.
The list of devices required to use USB Type-C charging ports in the first phase is:
- All mobile phones
- Tablets
- Digital cameras
- E-readers
- Handheld video game consoles
- Headphones
- Earbuds
- Keyboards
- Mice
- Portable navigation systems
- Wireless routers
- Speakers
- Portable speakers
2. Second phase
After one year of the first phase, Saudi Arabia is preparing to enter the second phase of mandatory USB Type-C charging ports. This phase expands the requirement to laptops as devices that must use integrated chargers.
This phase will continue indefinitely. Based on the first phase, it is likely to remain in effect for approximately 15 months.
Technical Standards Used
The policy mandating the use of USB Type-C charging ports will require updated technical standards for each device. These standards refer to the international standard USB Type-C or USB Power Delivery.
- USB Type-C: SASO IEC 62680-1-3:2017
- USB Power Delivery: SASO IEC 62680-1-2:2017
Impact for Saudi Arabia Type Approval
Every policy will have a direct or indirect impact on the type approval certification process. This is also the case with the policy on the use of USB Type-C charging ports for mobile phones and electronic devices.
This policy also impacts Saudi Arabia type approval. The impact is direct for manufacturers and importers. This new policy requires them to ensure compliance with relevant technical standards, update IECEE certification documentation, and update test reports accordingly.
Non-compliance can impact certification validity and market access. Therefore, you should contact Dimulti, whose experts are ready to assist you in developing consumer products and complying with applicable regulations.
We will ensure your product complies with the latest Saudi Arabian type approval certification policies. Furthermore, we will make the process more effective and efficient.