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 will be effective on 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.
CST and SASO stated that this decision will help reduce the local consumption of charging ports for mobile phones and electronic devices by over 2.2M units each year. It is also expected to minimize consumers’ spending in Saudi Arabia by more than 170M SAR annually, which in return supports the Kingdom's sustainability goals in the tech sector by reducing electronic waste by nearly 15 tons per year.
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.
Source: https://www.cst.gov.sa/en/mediacenter/pressreleases/Pages/2024102301.aspx