Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 09-05-2025 Origin: Site
USB-C stands out as the one-size-fits-all solution for connections with flexibility in data transfer, power delivery, or video display. Conclusively, those working in import and wholesale purchases, like procurement officers and IT distributors, need to know the technicalities of USB-C in order to select appropriate cables that meet customer preference. The following manual collects information from different perspectives to ease the purchasing process to make it effective and include the right cable.
A USB-C cable bears the trademark of a compact, symmetrical, and oval convex connector which has replaced various previous standards. Such is the case of the USB-A and Micro-USB. If using a fingerprint-only design, the connector makes life easier and more efficient for its user. The features of this cable include:
Data Transfer
Transfer rates up to 40Gbps with USB 4.0/Thunderbolt.
Power Delivery (PD)
Up to 100W with USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20V/5A).
Video Output
Supports DisplayPort, HDMI, or Thunderbolt display devices for monitors and displays.
Connector and Compatibility
The design of USB-C is smaller and thinner as compared with other data transfer standards, such as USB 3.1, 3.2, 4.0, Thunderbolt, etc. On the contrary, not all USB-C cables are the same.
Data Transfer Speeds
USB 2.0: 480Mbps (basic cables)
USB 3.1: 10Gbps, USB 3.2, USB 2.1
USB 4.0/Thunderbolt 4: Transmitting data at up to 40Gbps
Power Delivery
Standard: Cables are safe to use at 100W (20V/5A)
High Power Range (EPR): Safety guaranteed up to 240W (48V/5A) for devices like laptops or phones
Video Support
USB-C supports DisplayPort Alt Mode/Thunderbolt.
The quality of the cable is largely affected by the thickness of the wire (AWG) and the quality of the material:
Low Gauge (for instance, 24 AWG)
During this process, thicker wires lower the resistance, which means faster and higher power delivery (for instance, 100W and above).
High Gauge (for instance, 30 AWG)
Toward the lower end, the wires are thinner, which restricts charging rates to 60 watts or lower. It also leads to low power rates.
Certifications
It is advisable to choose cables which are assessed by USB-IF with the aim of finding a similarity with competing products.
USB-C Power Delivery is a high-rate charging technique targeted at the optimization of voltage and current. That’s the idea behind it. It has features such as:
Fast Charging
Up to 100W for smartphones, tablets, and any laptop device.
Safety
PD cables have smart power management; therefore, they automatically disconnect themselves if overheated and prevent overcharging.
Versatility
Compatible with a wide range of equipment from 15W to 240W (including laptops), making them universally applicable for various clients.
As always, the procurement of cables is one of the crucial processes of the business operations in order to avoid the compatibility problem or any kind of safety hazard. Key factors to consider:
Check Specifications
Ensure that the cable variants support standard USB 3.1/3.2 or any higher version, and enable the PD function for rapid charging (e.g., providing 9V/2A or 20V/5A).
Verify Certifications
The USB-IF or Thunderbolt certifications confirm their performance and their safety.
Gauge and Build
Choose the lower-gauge cables with high-quality materials; for example, braided nylon (also strong) is a good option for their durability.
Supplier Reputation
Make sure that your partner is known for their high quality of products. For instance, choose well-known brands like Anker or Belkin, or work with OEM companies with reliable quality management standards.
Choosing the Right USB-C Cables for Your Business
When sourcing USB-C cables, consider the following:
Client Needs
Similarly, cables must be suited to different devices (e.g., 60W vs. 100W for a smartphone vs. laptop).
Volume and Cost
Order through an online platform for genuine and local suppliers or distributors from whom you can buy in bulk and at a fair price.
Compatibility
Make sure the cables have PD, Thunderbolt, and so on, if that is the case.
Warranty and Support
Opt for a supplier who guarantees sufficient warranty and technical support.
Product Specifications and Performance
Technical Specifications
Connector Type
USB-C (Type-C), 24-pins, flip-in design.
Data Transfer Speeds
USB 2.0: 480Mbps (for base models)
USB 3.1 Gen 2: 10Gbps
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2: 20Gbps
USB 4.0/Thunderbolt 4: With a transmission speed of up to 40Gbps
Power Delivery (PD)
Standard: Up to 60W (20V/3A) or 100W (20V/5A)
Extended Power Range (EPR): 240W (48V/5A), ideal for high-power equipment like heat-dissipation graphic cards or high-end laptops
Video Output
Support DisplayPort Alt Mode, HDMI, or Thunderbolt interface for driving high-resolution displays (or 4K/8K).
Inevitably, certified cables are needed for reliable signal transmission.
Cable Length
From 0.5m to 3m (passive) and less than 5 meters (active) with the use of active cables for boosting the signal (amplification of the signals).
Wire Gauge (AWG):
24 AWG: This supports high wattage above 100W and fast charging with less resistance.
30 AWG: Reduced to 60W or lower with high resistance.
Fast Charging
By adjusting the voltage and current dynamically (for example, 9V/2A, 20V/5A), USB-C PD decreases the charging time to 30 minutes for smartphones and 2 hours for laptops.
High-Speed Data
By using USB 4.0/Thunderbolt 4 to transfer a whole 4K movie in seconds.
Versatility
One cable here does all of the job, including charging, data transfer, and video display, which is highly suitable for enterprise setups.
Quality Standards
Material Durability
Braided nylon or TPE jackets and reinforced plugs, so they last longer.
Signal Integrity
Shielded cables are designed to minimize electromagnetic interference, hence stable data transfer.
Safety
Therefore, the E-Marker chip is incorporated in the high power cables in view of overcurrent and overvoltage.
Certifications
USB-IF Certification
This certification further guarantees compliance with USB standards and hence the universal suitability and safety.
E-Marker Chip
Compare to 3A when the output higher than 3A (e.g., 100W+), this is used to guarantee the safety delivering.
UL Certification
For PVC or rubber-jacketed cables (e.g., UL2725).
CE Certification
This certification is required when the product is marketed to the EU countries to comply with the safety and EMC levels.
Thunderbolt Certification
This certification, therefore, guarantees 40Gbps and 100W and more performance for Thunderbolt 3/4 cables.
Certified cables enhance safety, keep the quality of transfer and power, thus give you reliability in business.
Pricing:
Basic USB-C (USB 2.0, 60W): $1-$3/unit (bulk)
Mid-Range (USB 3.1/3.2, 100W): $5-$10/unit
Premium (USB 4.0/Thunderbolt 4, 240W): $15-$35/unit
MOQ:
Non-Certified: The usual MOQ can be around 500-1000 units.
USB-IF Certified: The typical volume for certified cables is at least 5,000 units in order to cover the certification costs that are incurred.
Custom TID-Certified (e.g., Intel, Siemens): 10,000 units and more.
Quantity ordering and long-term contracts could bring the unit cost down by a margin of 10%-20%.
OEM Services: Customized services to meet the buyer’s needs regarding the logo, packaging, and cable length.
ODM Services: Custom designing that may include special aesthetics as well as the addition of performance features (such as 240W EPR, under the supply of special active cables).
Capabilities: For example, factories such as P-Shine or Anker offer automated equipment and they also include in-house testing labs.
Benefits: Tailored products improve the brand identity and have unique features that meet the specific customer’s needs.
Delivery Time: The delivery time for standard ordering is from 2-4 weeks. In case of custom OEM/ODM delivery, it may take 6-8 weeks.
Production Capacity: For mid-tier supplier, it’s 100,000-500,000 pieces/month, while for large OEM 1M and higher pieces/month.
Logistics: Thus, you can work with global suppliers whose warehouses are in Asia, North America, and Europe. Therefore, shipping will be issued on time.
Warranty: The warranty of 1-3 years which cover the cases of defects in materials or performance.
Returns/Replacements: Within the length of 30-90 days for products with defect(s) and free replacement in case of certified cables.
Technical Support: Responding to engaged clients through either email/phone support or dedicated account manager (for bulk buyers).
Credentials: USB-IF and ISO qualifications (ISO 9001/14001/22000).
Experience: 10-20 years/native years of cable manufacturing experience and their wide specialization in USB, HDMI, or Thunderbolt products.
USB-C technology evolves itself constantly, growing its speed (USB4) and power delivery capability (240W) every year while regulatory bodies like EU keep introducing new requirements for its adoption.
This guide gives you an overview of the main issues for importing USB-C cables for OEM and wholesale, so that your company gets exactly the right one for customers according to the functionality aspects like charging, data transmission, and video output.