What is the IEC 62680 Standard? Compliance Interpretation

New EU USB-C Certification RegULations

On December 28, 2024, the European Union officially implemented new mandatory certification regulations for USB Type-C interfaces. All smart devices exported to the EU must pass IEC 62680 standard certification. This article provides enterprises with a detailed interpretation of the new regulations' impacts, certification processes, and compliance key points to facilitate a smooth market entry into Europe.

What Exactly is the IEC 62680 Standard?

IEC 62680 is a unified USB interface standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Simply put, it sets rules for the charging interfaces and fast-charging protocols of all electronic devices.

Imagine the past: Android phones used MICro USB, Apple used Lightning, Huawei had SuperCharge, and Xiaomi had VOOC. Consumers ended up with piles of chargers at home that couldn’t be shaRED. This standard aims to put an end to such chaos!

The standard consists of two core parts:

IEC 62680-1-3

It governs physical interfaces. For example, the dimensional tolerance of Type-C plugs must be controlled within ±0.05mm, the plug-in lifespan must be ≥10,000 cycles, and the functional assignment of the 24 pins is strictly regulated .

IEC 62680-1-2

It regulates fast-charging protocols, supporting a maximum power transmission of 240W (48V/5A). The way devices negotiate voltage and current is clearly specified .

Most importantly, since the end of last year, products failing to meet this standard have been rejected by EU customs. It’s worth noting that laptops will be subject to mandatory compliance starting April 28, 2026. Relevant enterprises should complete certification in advance to seize market opportunities!

Why is This Standard So Important?

For Enterprises: A "Pass" to Export to the EU

The EU market accounts for 28% of global consumer electronics trade volume, with an annual transaction value exceeding 500 billion euros. Products without certification cannot enter the EU, and those already on the market face recall risks. Last year, a well-known headphone brand was forced to recall 300,000 units due to charging case interfaces failing to meet IEC 62680-1-3 standards, resulting in direct losses exceeding 200 million euros.

For the Industry: Ending the "Interface Chaos"

Do you remember? In 2023, there were more than 20 fast-charging protocols on the market. Consumers had to check protocol compatibility when buying third-party chargers. Now, with the mandatory unification of IEC 62680, enterprises can focus on technological innovation rather than interface competition, expected to save the industry 4 billion euros in R&D costs annually.

For Consumers: One Charger for All Devices

EU calculations show that unified interfaces will reduce 3 discarded chargers per household per year on average, cutting 11 million tons of electronic waste across Europe annually. Our tests confirm that standard-compliant Type-C cables can work stably in environments ranging from -30℃ to 85℃, with contact resistance remaining less than 50mΩ after 10,000 plug-in cycles.

Key Compliance Questions for Enterprises

Which Products Require Certification?

The EU clearly lists 13 mandatory product categories, including:

①　Mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, earphones, headsets, portable speakers, handheld game consoles, e-readers, keyboards, mice

②　Portable navigation devices, laptops (mandatory from April 2026)

③　Special Notes:

④　Charging cases for TWS earphones must comply with the standard, but earbud charging ports are not restricted.

⑤　Multi-port chargers require individual testing for each port with power exceeding 15W .

Three Common Pitfalls to Avoid

①　Pin Count: Type-C receptacles can only use 12/16/24 pins; 6-pin designs are strictly prohibited.

②　Proprietary Protocols: They can be retained but must not interfere with USB PD protocol operation. A brand was rejected due to PD negotiation failure caused by its proprietary protocol.

③　Packaging Labeling: Must indicate "XXW-YYW USB PD" with font height ≥7mm. 20% of enterprises have made mistakes in this detail.

Future Trend: From Compliance to Competitiveness

The IEC 62680 standard is updated annually. The 2024 version adds a "liquid corrosion protection mode," requiring interfaces to function normally after contact with sweat or rainwater. This raises higher requirements for outdoor device manufacturers but also brings new opportunities—products meeting the latest standards can see a 35% increase in e-commerce search rankings.

Enterprises are advised to go beyond basic certification and focus on:

①　USB4 2.0 (80Gbps) transmission testing

②　240W fast-charging heat dissipation solutions

③　Integrated design of wireless charging and Type-C

Remember, standards are not shackles but springboards. A domestic charger brand proactively laid out IEC 62680 certification and achieved a 42% year-on-year growth in European market share in 2025, proving that compliance itself is a competitive advantage!

Final Compliance Self-Checklist

①　Is the interface Type-C 16/24-pin?

②　Does the device support USB PD if fast-charging power >15W?

③　Does the packaging have compliant power labeling?

④　Does the test report include liquid corrosion testing?

Enterprises needing detailed testing requirements or one-on-one consultation can contact our laboratory for free evaluation services. The EU market waits for no one—acting now is still in time!