Mandatory USB Type-C Charging Ports to Begin January 1, 2025
Saudi Arabia has announced the mandatory implementation of unified charging ports for mobile phones and electronic devices from January 1, 2025, with USB Type-C as the standard. The initiative, led by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), aims to simplify connectivity and reduce consumer costs.
User Convenience and Environmental Sustainability
- Improve the user experience with faster charging and data transfer speeds.
- Reduce the burden of purchasing multiple chargers, saving consumers SR170 million annually.
- Promote sustainability by reducing 15 tons of electronic waste per year, supporting the Kingdom’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Phased Implementation Timeline
Phase 1 – Starting January 1, 2025
The first phase includes:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Digital cameras
- E-readers
- Portable speakers, headphones, earphones
- Wireless routers and navigation systems
Phase 2 – Starting April 1, 2026
The second phase will extend the mandatory USB Type-C requirement to laptops.
Reducing Local Consumption and Promoting Sustainability
CST and SASO expect the implementation to reduce the consumption of charging ports by 2.2 million units annually. This will also align with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental sustainability by curbing electronic waste and unnecessary consumption.
Industry Compliance with Technical Regulations
The authorities issued a notice on August 6, 2023, requiring suppliers and companies to conform to the relevant technical regulations for USB Type-C. This ensures high-quality standards for charging and data transfer while promoting interoperability among devices.
