Saudi Arabia recently announced a new regulation requiring that from 2025, all phones and other electronic devices sold in the country must use the USB Type-C interface for charging and data transmission. This initiative aims to improve user experience, ensure high-quality charging and data transmission technology, and reduce the generation of e-waste to promote environmentally sustainable development.
USB Type-C is a universal standard for wired connections of smart devices, capable of transmitting both data and power over a single cable. This technology replaces previous standards such as Micro-USB and USB-A. A feature of USB Type-C is that users can insert the cable into the device in any direction, and the USB Type-C interface can also achieve fast charging and fast data transmission, providing a better user experience.
The regulation in Saudi Arabia will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will begin on January 1, 2025 and will cover a wide range of devices, including phones, tablets, digital cameras, e-readers, portable video game devices, headphones, headsets, amplifiers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, Portable speakers and wireless router. The second phase will start on April 1, 2026 and will cover laptops.
Saudi Arabia requires all companies and suppliers operating in the country’s market to comply with the USB Type-C standard and comply with the technical and management specifications of relevant technical regulations and standards. Saudi Arabia estimates that this measure will save consumers in the country more than 170 million Saudi riyals (Note: about 327 million CNY) per year, and reduce the generation of electronic waste by about 15 tons per year.
Saudi Arabia is the second region to implement a unified charging interface regulation after the European Union, which passed legislation in 2022 requiring electronic devices to be equipped with USB-C ports before they can be sold in the region.
