The Communications and Information Technology Commission and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization announced the upcoming implementation of the first mandatory phase of unifying the charging ports for mobile phones and electronic devices in the Saudi market. This is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025, with all ports being of the “USB Type-C” type.
This step aims to enhance user experience in Saudi Arabia, prevent them from incurring additional costs, and provide high-quality charging and data transfer technology. The two organizations also seek to improve the quality of technological products, support environmental sustainability principles, and contribute to achieving sustainable development goals by reducing electronic waste.
The authorities had announced on August 6, 2023, the mandatory stages for the unification of charging ports, where companies and suppliers will be required to comply with these specifications according to the technical and administrative requirements stipulated in the relevant technical regulations and standards.
The authorities emphasized that this decision will help reduce local consumption of chargers and charging cables for phones and electronic devices by over two million units annually, saving consumers in Saudi Arabia over 170 million riyals yearly. The decision will also aid in achieving sustainability targets in the technology sector by reducing electronic waste by approximately fifteen tons annually.
The first mandatory phase will include all mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, e-readers, portable video game devices, headphones, earphones, speakers, keyboards, computer mouse devices, as well as portable navigation systems, portable speakers, and wireless routers. The second phase is expected to begin on April 1, 2026, to include portable computers.
