1、 International universal performance standards (ensuring compatibility and functionality)

These standards are developed by organizations such as USB-IF, HDMI Licensing, IEEE, etc., and are voluntary industry certifications. However, if the product does not pass, it may not be possible to use relevant trademarks (such as USB logos) or ensure compatibility.

1. USB data cable series

Key points:

• USB-C to USB-C cables that support 5A current must include an E-marker chip to report cable capabilities (current, voltage, speed) to the charger.

• Cables certified by USB-IF can use official certification marks and ensure compliance with specifications.

2. Other common data cable standards

2、 Safety certification (electrical safety and fire prevention)

Although the data cable has low voltage, it may pose risks of overheating, fire, or electric shock due to poor insulation, thin conductors, or defective plugs. Security certification is usually mandatory or voluntary, depending on the market.

1. International safety standards

UL 9990 is a common non mandatory but widely recognized safety standard in the US market. Many retailers (such as Amazon, Wal Mart) require data lines to provide UL 9990 or equivalent reports.

2. Chinese safety standards

In China, data cables are not included in the mandatory CCC catalog, but if sold as mobile phone accessories or power adapter accessories, there will be requirements for cables when the whole machine is CCC certified. It is recommended that data cables sold separately comply with GB 4943.1 to avoid risks.

3、 Certification/compliance requirements for major markets

1. Chinese market

• No CCC mandatory certification (data cables are not included in the CCC catalog).

• Suggest meeting:

  • GB 4943.1 (Security)

  • GB/T 32638 (Performance/Interface)

  • Optional CQC voluntary certification (China Quality Certification Center has CQC logo certification for data cables, based on CQC 1403-2016, etc.).

• Environmental requirements: Meet RoHS 2.0 (China's "Management Measures for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products"), namely GB/T 26572 standard, which restricts lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium PBB、PBDE、 Phthalates, etc.

• E-commerce platforms such as Tmall and JD.com may require third-party testing reports (such as meeting GB 4943.1 and GB/T 32638).

2. EU market

• CE mark: As a low-voltage device (operating voltage<75 V DC), data cables usually do not require LVD instructions, but if sold with the whole machine, the CE of the whole machine will be covered. The data cables sold separately must comply with the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU (Radiation Emission and Immunity) and the RoHS Directive.

  • EMC standards: EN 55032 (radiated emission), EN 55035 (immunity).

  • If equipped with power supply function, Energy related Products (ErP) instructions should also be considered (such as standby power consumption not applicable, but may be involved when the charging line affects efficiency).

• REACH: Chemical registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction regulations must ensure that the SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) content in the wire does not exceed 0.1%.

• EU USB-C mandatory requirement: Starting from the end of 2024, the EU requires all mobile phones, tablets, cameras, etc. that support wired charging to be equipped with a USB-C interface, and the cables should meet specifications such as IEC 62680-1-3 (USB PD) (Directive 2022/2380). Although it is not directly certified as a data cable, compatibility is required as an accessory.

3. The US market

• FCC certification: If the data cable itself does not actively transmit RF, it is not within the mandatory scope of FCC. But as an accessory for digital devices (such as those containing USB 3. x high-speed signals), it may need to comply with FCC Part 15 requirements for unintentional radiators due to radiated emissions. Usually relying on whole machine certification.

• UL certification: UL 9990 is the most applicable safety standard. Although it is not federally mandatory, major retailers (Amazon, Wal Mart, Best Buy) require to provide UL reports. Can be verified based on UL file number.

• CPSIA: For children's products, if the data cable is intended for use by children under 12 years old (such as children's headphone cables), it must meet lead and phthalate restrictions and provide a Children's Product Certificate (CPC).

4. Other markets

• Japan: PSE certification (circular) if the data cable is used as part of an electrical appliance (such as a charger with a rated voltage>100V), but the cable itself is usually not required. Suggest meeting JIS C 8306 and other standards.

• Korea: KC safety certification (if used as a power cord component). Low speed data cables are generally exempt, but fast charging cables (with E-marker) may require certification.

4、 Key testing items (combined according to standards)

5、 USB-IF certification process (taking USB-C to C cable as an example)

USB-IF certification is the industry gold standard that ensures cables comply with USB specifications and are compatible with each other. The process is as follows:

1. Membership registration: Manufacturers need to become USB-IF members (annual product testing fee).

2. Design in compliance with specifications: including electrical, mechanical, and protocol (with accurate E-marker content).

3. Delivery for testing: Send the sample to a USB authorized testing laboratory (such as Granite River Labs, Allion, ParknShop).

4. Test items (for USB-C cables):

   • Electrical: eye diagram, impedance, insertion loss, crosstalk, rise/fall time.

   • Mechanical: Insertion and extraction force, durability, tension, bending.

   • Function: E-marker communication, current capability (5A line must support PD communication), Vconn power supply.

   • Environment: Temperature rise (under 5A and 20V conditions).

   • Leakage current and contact resistance.

5. Report submission and review: Reviewed by USB-IF authorized agency.

6. Obtain the authentication ID (TID number) and add it to the integrator's list.

7. Allow the use of USB certification marks (official trident mark and certification cable mark).

Attention: Cables that have not passed USB-IF certification can still be sold, but they cannot claim to be "USB-IF certified" and compatibility and security may not be guaranteed.

6、 Common Problems and Suggestions

1. What kind of data cable requires mandatory certification?

   • There is no globally unified mandatory certification for general civilian data cables. But in the EU, if sold as an independent accessory, it must comply with CE-EMC and RoHS (mandatory).

   • In the United States, although there is no federal mandatory requirement, retail channels (especially Amazon) require UL 9990 or USB-IF reports, otherwise they may be taken down.

   • In China, online sales usually require a GB 4943.1 test report (from CNAS laboratory).

2. Special requirements for fast charging cables (USB-C PD):

   • Must include an E-marker chip and the chip must pass USB-IF certification.

   • The rated current of the cable must be matched with the charger/device (such as 3A or 5A), and 5A wires require 16 AWG or thicker power wires.

   • The withstand voltage test must comply with the 48V level (IEC 62368-1 basic insulation requirements).

3. MFi certification for Apple Lightning cable:

   • Apple authorized connector heads (C94, etc.) must be used.

   • Tested through Apple's MFi program, including electrical, mechanical, and audio/video performance.

   • Use the authentication chip provided by Apple (such as the C94 terminal built-in), otherwise iOS will pop up a window saying 'This accessory is not supported'.

4. Common problems with low-cost data cables:

   • The conductor is too thin (28AWG or even thinner is used for power lines, causing overheating under high current).

   • Poor shielding, affecting data transmission (causing USB 3.0 to downgrade to 2.0 or packet loss).

   • The insulation layer is not resistant to high temperatures and may melt and leak electricity.

   • The coating of the plug wears out quickly and has high contact resistance.

5. Suggested compliance strategy:

   • Export to the EU: Conduct CE-EMC (EN 55032/55035) RoHS REACH product mechanical performance self-test. If USB labeling is required, it is strongly recommended to obtain USB-IF certification.

   • Export to the United States: UL 9990 certification FCC SDOC (if expected for high-speed digital devices) UL report required by Amazon. If there is PD function, it is best to do USB-IF certification.

   • Domestic market: CNAS laboratory is commissioned to produce reports in accordance with GB 4943.1 and GB/T 32638, and meet RoHS requirements. Optional CQC voluntary certification increases competitiveness.

   • Any market: If it is a USB-C cable and claims 5A, USB-IF certification must be done first (otherwise the 5A logo cannot be legally used).

7、 Quick Reference Table