Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) and the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organisation (SASO) have announced that all mobile phones and electronic devices sold in the Saudi market must support USB-C charging ports starting from January 1, 2025. This mandate is part of a unified charging port initiative aimed at improving consumer convenience and reducing electronic waste.

Why USB-C?

The shift to USB-C is expected to simplify the charging process across various devices, ensuring compatibility, reducing the need for multiple chargers, and ultimately lowering costs for consumers. According to CST and SASO, standardizing USB-C charging will:

• Enhance user experience through a single, universal charging standard.
• Reduce consumer expenses on charging devices and accessories.
• Promote environmental sustainability by minimizing electronic waste.

This initiative is projected to save Saudi consumers over SR170 million (approximately $45 million) annually and reduce electronic waste by around 15 tons each year by lowering the local consumption of varied charging ports by more than 2.2 million units annually.

Device Coverage in Two Phases

The rollout will be conducted in two phases to cover a wide range of electronic devices:

Phase 1 (January 1, 2025) will include:

• Mobile phones
• Tablets
• Digital cameras
• E-readers
• Portable gaming consoles
• Headphones and earphones
• Portable and amplified speakers
• Keyboards and mice
• Portable navigation systems
• Wireless routers

Phase 2 (April 1, 2026) will extend this requirement to include laptops.

Background and Future Impact

Announced on August 6, 2023, this new requirement mandates that all manufacturers and suppliers adopt USB Type-C as the standard charging port, adhering to Saudi Arabia’s technical and administrative standards. This move aligns with global tech trends pushing for uniformity in charging standards, aimed at reducing environmental impacts and simplifying device usage for consumers.

As Saudi Arabia continues to embrace tech-driven sustainability goals, th