Saudi Arabia Mandates USB Type-C Charging Ports for Mobile Devices
Saudi Arabia mandates USB-C charging ports for electronics, enhancing tech quality, reducing e-waste, and promoting sustainability in phases through 2026.
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) have announced that the first mandatory phase of the unified charging ports for mobile phones and electronic devices in the Saudi market is effective today 1 January 2025, which requires “USB Type-C”.
CST and SASO indicated that the unified charging ports decision aims to improve the user experience in Saudi Arabia, reduce extra costs for consumers, deliver high-quality charging and data transfer technology, and enhance the quality of tech products. Furthermore, it promotes environmental sustainability and helps achieve SDG’s by reducing electronic waste.
The first phase will include mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, e-readers, portable video game consoles, headphones, earphones, portable speakers, Amplified speakers, keyboards, computer mice, as well as portable navigation systems and wireless routers. The second phase will commence on 1 April 2026, and will include laptops.
It is noteworthy that CST and SASO announced the phases of the unified charging ports for mobile phones and electronic devices in the Saudi market on 6 August 2023, which also require companies and suppliers to adopt the “USB Type-C“ as the unified charging port type, in accordance with the technical and administrative requirements outlined in the relevant technical regulations and standard specifications.
