Enforcement of the EU's Common Charger Directive and EPS Ecodesign regulations have subjected USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery (USB PD) to new mandatory technical requirements. Explicitly referenced in EU legislation, the USB Type-C® Cable and Connector Specification and the USB Power Delivery Specification are designed to ensure device interoperability, charging efficiency, consumer convenience across all electronic devices approved for circulation within the EU market.
The EU Conformity to USB-IF Specification (IEC 62680) program offers manufacturers a structured compliance path for aligning with the most up-to-date technical standards referenced in EU law and producing necessary documentation. By providing a definitive framework for fulfilling prevailing EU regulatory obligations, the program ensures alignment with the latest technical standards and minimizes the risk of compliance gaps by allowing manufacturers to follow the exact specifications cited in EU law.
What is the EU Conformity to USB-IF Specifications (IEC 62680) Program?
The EU Conformity to USB-IF Specifications Program was introduced by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) in late August 2024. This initiative was developed to assist manufacturers in demonstrating compliance with the European Union's Common Charger requirements as per Radio Equipment Directive (RED) and Ecodesign regulations, which mandate standardized charging solutions across various electronic devices.
Building upon USB-IF's established compliance processes, the program offers a streamlined approach tailored to EU regulatory requirements. On top of leveraging existing testing methodologies, the program specifically focuses on the USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery (USB PD) specifications as stated in EU legislation. This explicit reference provides stronger guarantees for manufacturers to efficiently obtain necessary documentation and demonstrate conformity for market access within the EU.
Applicable product categories:
- USB Type-C® Cables and Connectors: Both USB Type-C® cable assembly and receptacles are subject to conformity requirements consistent with the full USB-IF certification process.
- External Power Supplies (EPS): Chargers and power adapters that deliver power through USB Type-C® interfaces, especially those supporting USB PD protocols.
- Portable Battery-Powered Devices: Including smartphones, tablets, e-readers, headphones, and other devices covered under the EU's Common Charger Directive.
- Laptops and Notebooks: Subject to the directive's requirements starting in 2026.
In cases where multiple product variants share similar designs or architectures, a Qualification by Similarity process may be employed to extend conformity coverage without necessitating full re-testing, subject to USB-IF review and approval. While this is an efficient, cost-effective path to EU conformity, manufacturers may still wish to pursue full USB-IF certification for key models to ensure a higher degree of interoperability and broader market acceptance—particularly in regions or for applications where formal USB-IF certification is expected or preferred.
Ensure EU USB Conformity with GRL
As USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery (USB PD) become mandatory under EU regulations, manufacturers must navigate increasingly specific technical and documentation requirements. The EU Conformity to USB-IF Specifications (IEC 62680) program offers a clear, streamlined path to demonstrate compliance with the standards explicitly cited in EU legislation—regardless of prior reliance on global frameworks such as IEC 62680 (USB Specifications).
Manufacturers are therefore strongly recommended to test with authorized USB-IF Independent Test Labs (ITLs) such as Granite River Labs (GRL) to ensure accurate interpretation of specifications and optimization of conformity assessment procedures. Granite River Labs (GRL) supports manufacturers throughout this process with recognized testing services and technical consultation. By working in close alignment with the latest procedures and standards issued by USB-IF, GRL has built a proven track record in USB testing to achieve certification/conformity from the USB-IF and navigating EU regulatory pathways.
Meet EU market access expectations with confidence by obtaining your formal USB-IF EU Notice of Conformity for USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery products, leveraging the expert guidance of GRL’s qualified expert from start to finish. Find out more about USB-IF compliance testing services at GRL or check out FAQs on the EU Conformity to USB-IF Specifications program and also at USB.org.
