The Communications, Space and Technology (CST) and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) have implemented the first phase of mandatory USB Type-C charging ports for several type of electronic devices effective on 1 January 2025. Several types of electronic products were subjected to this decision during its first phase implementation, including mobile phones, computer tables, digital cameras, headphones, speakers and many more.
The implementation of mandatory USB Typ-C as standard charging ports in Saudi Arabi has continued to the second phase of the implementation effective on 1 April 2026, and it may extended until 1 May 2026. Therefore, in this article we will discuss all important notes from the implementation of the mandatory USB Typ-C from the first and second phases, and its impact to Type Approval in Saudi Arabia.
Key notes of the mandatory USB Type-C in Saudi Arabia
The obligation of standardize the types of charging ports in Saudi Arabia was initially published based on the Decision No. 01/193/2023 dated 15/1/1445 H. The Decision stipulates the standardization of port types for charging mobile phones, tablets and electronic devices, and the implementation of updated standard specifications. The following decisions have been issued:
First: Update the following two Saudi Arabia standard specifications:
| Saudi Arabia specification approved (Needs updating) | Latest reference specification number | Saudi Arabia specification approved (Updated) | Saudi Standard title (Updated) | Application features |
| SASO IEC 62680-1-2:2017 | IEC 62680-1-2:2022 | SASO IEC 62680-1-2:2023 | Universal serial bus interfaces for data and power – Part 1-2: Common components – USB Power Delivery specification | Mandatory specifications This will be mandatory starting 01/01/2025 |
| SASO IEC 62680-1-3:2017 | IEC 62680-1-3:2022 | SASO IEC 62680-1-3:2023 | Universal serial bus interfaces for data and power – Part 1-3: Universal Serial Bus interfaces – Common components – USB Type-C cable and connector specification | Mandatory specifications This will be mandatory starting 01/01/2025 |
Second: The obligation to standardize the type of charger for mobile phones and electronic devices to be at least USB Type-C, and this obligation will be carried out in stages as follows:
| Phase implementation | Date of obligation | Products |
| First phase | 01/01/2025 | Mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, e-readers, portable video game consoles, headphones, wired and wireless earphones, speakers, keyboards, computer pointer devices (mice), portable navigation systems, portable speakers, and wireless routers. |
| Second phase | 01/04/2026 | Laptops |
Impact on Saudi Arabia Type Approval
The mandatory of USB Type-C charging ports for various types of electronic devices may impact the type approval certification in Saudi Arabia. CST and SASO may conduct checks on the SABER platform to verify whether or not the applications submitted for type approval have been certified to meet the relevant requirements and standards in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this new regulation requires manufacturers to ensure compliance with new relevant technical standards in Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
As informed earlier, the implementation of the standardize types of charging ports in Saudi Arabia to be USB Type-C may impact the process of Type Approval in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare for the conformity activities of the subjected electronics products to avoid any delay and issue. Feel free to send an email to info@narmadi.com if you have any questions about this new topic.
