Importing USB wall chargers isn’t just about price or MOQ—it’s about compliance. Suppliers, vendors, and distributors need to ensure their products meet global safety, EMC, and environmental standards to clear customs and sell legally. Here’s a practical B2B guide on the certifications required by region, with tips for working efficiently with manufacturers and test labs.
Key Certifications for USB Wall Chargers (Quick Overview)
-
CE (EU) – Covers LVD + EMC + RoHS (+ ErP when applicable).
-
UKCA (UK) – UK equivalent of CE; similar technical requirements.
-
UL / ETL (USA/Canada) – Widely required safety mark for distributors and retail platforms.
-
FCC (USA) – Ensures EMC compliance (Part 15).
-
PSE (Japan) – Mandatory for AC chargers.
-
KC (South Korea) – Covers safety and EMC.
-
RCM (Australia/New Zealand) – Unified mark for safety + EMC (+ energy efficiency).
-
BIS (India) – Mandatory registration for USB chargers.
-
G-Mark (GCC) – Conformity mark for low voltage equipment in Gulf countries.
-
CB Scheme (IECEE) – International test report that helps vendors leverage one safety test for multiple markets.
Regional Certification Requirements
European Union (CE Marking)
Required for: Suppliers and distributors selling in the EU.
-
Directives: LVD, EMC, RoHS, ErP (if applicable)
-
Key standards: EN/IEC 62368-1, EN 55032/55035, EN 50563/IEC 62301
-
Tip: Ask your manufacturer for a CE technical file with test reports, risk assessment, and DoC.
United States
-
FCC Part 15 (Class B) for EMC compliance.
-
UL or ETL listed for safety; often required by distributors and e-commerce platforms.
-
DOE/CEC energy efficiency if the charger qualifies.
-
Tip: UL/ETL testing may be required even if the product already has CE.
United Kingdom (UKCA)
-
Mirrors EU technical requirements.
-
Requires UK DoC and correct UKCA marking.
-
Northern Ireland follows CE rules under NI regulations.
Canada
-
ISED (formerly IC) for EMC.
-
cUL / cETL for safety certification.
Asia
-
Japan (PSE): Mandatory for AC chargers; triangle/diamond mark required.
-
South Korea (KC): Safety + EMC; local documentation required.
-
India (BIS): CRS registration needed for many USB chargers; testing at BIS-recognized labs.
Australia & New Zealand
-
RCM: Safety + EMC unified mark; energy efficiency may apply.
Middle East (GCC / G-Mark)
-
G-Mark: Low voltage equipment; regional compliance for UAE, KSA, Qatar, etc.
-
Additional local approvals may be needed, e.g., SASO in KSA.
Africa
-
Most countries require pre-shipment Certificate of Conformity (CoC) under PVoC programs (SGS/Intertek/TÜV/BV).
-
South Africa: NRCS LoA and SANS-compliant plug required.
Tips for B2B Vendors, Suppliers, and Distributors
-
Start with a CB report: Ask your factory for IECEE CB Test Report + Certificate (IEC 62368-1). This helps convert to UL/ETL, CE/UKCA, KC, RCM, BIS, and G-Mark.
-
Lock the BOM early: Changes to PCB, transformer, or plastics may invalidate test reports.
-
Plan labeling from the start: CE, UKCA, FCC, PSE, KC, RCM, BIS, G-Mark—all have specific rules.
-
Verify certificates: Cross-check with issuing bodies; avoid forged reports.
-
Marketplace requirements: Retailers and platforms like Amazon often require UL/ETL, test summaries, and traceable QA documentation.
Minimal Compliance Checklist for B2B Customers
-
Target markets confirmed (EU/UK/US/JP/KR/AU-NZ/IN/GCC/Africa-CoC).
-
Safety: IEC/EN 62368-1 report (CB preferred).
-
EMC: EN 55032/55035 (EU) + FCC Part 15B (US) + local variants (KC, RCM, ISED).
-
Substances/Energy: RoHS + ErP/MEPS.
-
Country marks: CE / UKCA / UL-ETL / PSE / KC / RCM / BIS / G-Mark / Africa CoC.
-
Labels & docs: Markings, DoC, user manual, importer info, serial/lot traceability.
FAQ
Do I need UL to sell in the U.S.?
-
Not always legally, but distributors and insurers often require UL/ETL to reduce liability.
Is CE enough for Europe?
-
Yes, if the CE file covers LVD + EMC + RoHS (+ ErP) with valid test reports.
Fastest global compliance path:
-
Obtain CB report for IEC 62368-1 → convert to UL/ETL, CE/UKCA, KC, RCM, BIS, G-Mark → arrange Africa CoC.
Conclusion:
For B2B suppliers, vendors, and distributors, understanding global certification requirements for USB wall chargers is crucial. Securing proper safety, EMC, and eco-certifications ensures smooth market entry, builds trust with distributors, and avoids costly customs delays.
