USB-C Standardization, Following the EU, Also in South Korea… KTC Provides Technical Support for Exporting Companies
Mandatory Submission of Test Reports Expected for Certification… Offering Testing and Evaluation Services for PD Performance, etc.
Smooth Preparations Including Expert Staff and Equipment Setup, Designation as an ITL Certified Testing Laboratory, etc.… Expected to Enhance Global Competitiveness
▲ Performing KTC USB-C Testing and Evaluation Services
The Korea Testing and Research Institute for Machinery and Electronics (hereinafter referred to as KTC, Director An Sung-il) announced that it will provide 'technical support for exporting companies' in response to the implementation of the 'standardization of USB-C charging terminals' for electronic products in the European Union (EU).
Following the legislation of the 'Common Charger Directive (passed by the EU Parliament in October 2022),' which requires the unification of charging terminals for smartphones, tablets, etc., sold within Europe to USB-C by December 28, 2024, the EU also announced the amendment of the 'External Power Supply (EPS) Eco-design Requirements (November 24, 2023).'
Subsequently, Apple has been implementing the change to USB-C charging terminals starting from iPhone 15, and South Korea has been expanding the adoption of USB-C standards, following the establishment of 3 types and then 10 types of USB-C terminals for electronic products in 2022, accelerating the global movement towards USB-C standardization.
KTC will provide testing and evaluation services expected to be mandatory for South Korean companies venturing into overseas markets, such as 'submission or certification of test reports related to USB-C' due to the enforcement of the 'USB-C standardization.'
Especially for the European market, it is expected that documentation such as technical support suitability documents, including USB-PD (USB-Power Delivery) performance evaluation that can flexibly provide the power supply required by each electronic product (device) with USB-C charging terminals and cables, will be required, and KTC will support USB-PD performance evaluation.
Following the EU's promotion of USB-C standardization, KTC has initiated new businesses in USB-C testing and certification, considering the forecasted annual growth of the global USB-C market size by an average of 23.6% until 2033 (Future Market Insights, World Market Outlook Report).
KTC participates in USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum) workshops held at least once a year, and has established testing equipment, documentation, and quality management processes. In July 2022, through the 'Establishment Project for Global Power and Data Connection Standards (USB-C),' KTC developed guidelines for the introduction of USB-C standards in South Korea and built a personnel network with members such as operators, developers, and testing laboratories through USB-IF membership.
Furthermore, KTC aims to be designated as an Independent Test Lab (ITL) internationally certified testing laboratory this year and has acquired USB-C PD compliance testing equipment officially approved by USB-IF.
Once designated as an internationally certified testing laboratory, KTC expects its range of export support for South Korean companies to expand, by seizing the standardization and certification infrastructure market and expanding into other new businesses utilizing USB-C technology.
In the future, KTC plans to continue providing testing and evaluation services for companies, strengthening marketing activities to expand demand, and providing global testing and USB logo certification support for European exporting companies. In addition, it will continue to provide education and technical training on the basics of USB-C device design.
Director An Sung-il of KTC said, "In response to the rapidly changing USB market, it seems possible to provide one-stop support for companies' overseas expansion, including testing and certification." He further stated, "As a testing and certification agency, we will strengthen our position and further expand our global network through business cooperation and technological exchange with overseas testing agencies."
