Introducing the USB-IF Conformity to IEC 62680 (USB) Specifications Program  ​

According to the upcoming EU legislation, all portable battery-powered devices and external power supplies (EPS) must comply with IEC 62680 (USB) specifications by January 1, 2025, with laptop PCs following in 2026. OEMs should therefore demonstrate product conformance to IEC 62680 specifications and the EU Common Charger Directive before legislation takes effect.

Key areas covered by the directive include:

• Portable battery powered devices (as listed in the Radio Equipment Directive 'RED')​
• USB Type-C® receptacle(s), USB Type-C cable & connectors (captive cables are not permitted by the EU)
• EPSs and USB Power Delivery (USB PD) protocol (for devices that advertise more than 15W)

To demonstrate product conformity with EU requirements, OEMs can receive essential documentation and conduct quick testing via formal channels through the USB-IF Conformity program for IEC 62680 (USB) specifications. With an average testing turnaround of one day for products with two USB-C® ports, the program provides OEMs with flexibility in managing their compliance process, while offering the potential for competitive cost advantages.

Portable Battery Power Devices that have to show USB-IF conformity to IEC62680​

By legislation, the following products are required to show USB-IF conformity to IEC62680 by 28 December 2024:

1.1 handheld mobile phones;​

1.2. tablets​

1.3. digital cameras​

1.4. headphones​

1.5. headsets​

1.6.handheld videogame consoles​

1.7.portable speakers​

1.8.e-readers​

1.9.keyboards​

1.10.mice​

1.11.portable navigation systems​

1.12.earbuds​

USB-IF conformity to IEC62680 will be mandatory for laptops from 8 April 2026 onwards.

Minimum set of test requirements – USB-IF vs IEC62680​

Due to the minimal number of tests required for IEC62680 conformity, test times tend to be significantly lower than official USB-IF certification for products that support data over USB. Full details are outlined on the official USB-IF website.

Fig 1: USB-C Test Matrix table

USB-IF has also identified minimal test requirements for conformity to the IEC62680 program. The following table summarizes tests for product types eligible for submission under the program:

Source: USB-IF

*Note 1: Applicable to USB Power Delivery Capable Products only
*Note 2: Applicable to products that source power
*Note 3: SPT 1-5 only
*Note 4: Tests 4.9.5 and 4.10.6 are not applicable. Other tests modified to ignore USB Data requirements.
*Note 5: Chapter 9 (USB4 Data Reset, Enter USB4, USB4 Cables Response)

How to get a product tested for IEC62680

To conduct IEC62680 conformity testing, OEMs can submit test results obtained from independent test labs to USB-IF. IEC62680 tests supported by GRL include electrical safety, security testing, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, performance testing, and environmental testing.

USB-IF Conformity to IEC62680 Process​

The following section outlines steps that OEMs have to take to conduct IEC62680 conformity testing with GRL. Note that products listed under the IEC62680 Conformity List are differentiated from products that are fully certified under USB-IF.

1. Ensure that the manufacturing company is an active USB-IF member with an assigned VendorID. If not, candidates may apply for a VendorID here.
2. Obtain a unique TestID by registering the product of interest towards the USB-IF here.
   1. Select either IEC62680 Conformity only or Full USB-IF Certification (requires statement of Conformity to IEC62680), whichever is applicable.
   2. Fill in the registration form, selecting Granite River Labs as the preferred Authorized Test Lab.
   3. Authorized GRL representatives for USB-IF will receive a notification of product registration with the inputted details.​
3. Candidates will receive a notification to send their product to an agreed GRL lab location.
4. GRL will execute testing according to the USB-IF Compliance Specifications. Candidates will periodically receive updates on the test progress and results.
   1. Candidates will also receive a report of the collected test results.
   2. For products that successfully pass the official USB-IF certification testing:
      1. Products that pass the criteria will be listed on the USB-IF integrators list/ Certification & IEC62680 (only applicable to fully USB-IF Certified products)​
      2. Candidates can now use the USB logo for brochures, packaging, and product information for their device. (only applicable to USB-IF Certified products)​GRL will upload the results towards USB-IF product registration on behalf of successful candidates.
   3. For products that successfully pass the IEC62680 conformity only
      1. The product will be listed on the IEC62680 Conformity List only (Not eligible for use of USB logo)
         

The right global testing expert for all your IEC 62680 compliance needs

Ensure your products meet IEC 62680 standards with Granite River Labs (GRL), the trusted leader in USB certification. Our long-established relations with EU representatives and long-term involvement within the USB-IF program allows us to streamline the conformance testing process to suit your flexibility and market needs.

With a global presence that spreads across APAC, the USA, and EMEA, there’s no shortage of labs near you to choose from. Kickstart your USB-IF conformance journey with established experts today.