Cables and Connectors

Please review the USB-IF Compliance Updates webpage frequently  for the latest information regarding the USB-IF Compliance Program. The updates may contain information on test requirements and/or test procedures.

Subscribe to the USB-IF Compliance Update Mailing List by emailing admin@usb.org.

The USB-IF cable certification program aims to provide USB end users with a list of cables that meet quality standards necessary to operate in a USB environment. All cables do not have the same capabilities. The USB-IF certifies cables for different purposes. It is the end users responsibility to select a certified cable that has the capabilities necessary to allow optimum operation in their specific USB environment. Note that using a certified cable does not eliminate the need for certification of USB products nor does it augment the capabilities of those products. For specific details regarding legacy USB connector compliance tests please refer to the USB 2.0 Cable and Connector Class document found here and the USB 3.0 Cable and Connector Compliance document found here.

The USB Type-C® certification program is composed of multiple documents depending on the capabilities of the cable. The following documents are applicable:

For cables implemented with an E-marker refer to the USB Power Delivery Compliance Plan for cable tests. 

Approved Vector Network Analyzer Vendors

  • Keysight
  • Rohde & Schwarz

Please contact these companies directly for more information on their approved Vector Network Analyzers.

Process for Requesting XIDs

To request an XID please visit the XID request page.

USB-C®to USB-C® Cable Logo Requirements

In order to pass through the USB-IF Compliance Program, all USB-C® to USB-C cables categories must be labelled with either a power capability of 60W or 240W by using the appropriate power icon and/or logo. The USB-IF now requires that all cables must be labeled with the 60W or 240W logo prior to compliance testing so that testing can confirm the intended display of such icons/logos. The policy now extends to all USB-C to USB-C cables. These markings must be checked before compliance testing can begin.

In addition to the power markings, in order to pass through the USB-IF Compliance Program, all cables except for High-Speed USB (USB 2.0) USB-C to USB-C cables, are required to be marked with the appropriate data rate they can support. An example, a USB 20Gbps USB-C – USB-C cable that supports 20V at 3A must be marked with the Combined Performance and Power 20Gbps/60W logo.

A USB High-Speed USB-C to USB-C cable is required to have the power icon but can optionally add the USB 2.0 trident or appropriate High-Speed logo as well.

A USB-IF Trademark License Agreement is required for commercial use of the USB-IF logos.  For more information on the USB-IF Logos, Logo Usage Guidelines, Marks Requirement Chart, and USB-IF Trademark License Agreement please visit https://www.usb.org/logo-license. The logo is required to be on the cable and will be verified by the test lab during testing. If the cable should fail then the cable is not authorized to bear the logos and cannot be sold in the marketplace. For questions or to request the logo artwork please email admin@usb.org.

Register Your Product for Testing

Information about the Compliance Program can be found on the Compliance Homepage. To register your product for testing please login and register here.

USB 3.1 Cable Assembly and Connector Test Requirements

USB 3.1 Legacy Connectors and Cable Assemblies Compliance Document Rev 1.1

The USB-IF Cable Assembly and Connector certification program is available only to cables that are defined in the USB 2.0, USB 3.2 and USB Type-C® specifications.

Captive cables are not eligible for USB-IF certification.  A captive cable is defined as a cable that has one USB connector and is either permanently attached or has a non-USB connector. Both ends of a USB cable assembly must use USB defined connectors. In addition the connectors used in a cable assembly seeking certification must be certified prior to the submission of the cable assembly. The USB-IF will request the TID of each connector used in the cable assembly and verify that they are certified.

For legacy USB cables and connectors please visit document library for the USB 2.0 Cable and Connector Class document found here and the USB 3.0 Cable and Connector Compliance document found here.