Understanding the materials required for HDMI compliance certification and its "validity period" is crucial to ensuring one-time certification success and long-term validity. Many people think getting the certificate is the end, but that’s far from the case. Below is a detailed list of materials and an interpretation of the validity period based on the latest official requirements, helping you avoid most common pitfalls.

I. List of HDMI Compliance Certification Materials

Preparing certification materials is like creating a detailed "health record" for your product, mainly divided into four categories:

Category 1: Legal and Qualification Documents (Access Credentials)

·HDMI Adopter Agreement and HDMI 2.x Appendix (if applicable) — Core requirement; signing it grants access to HDMI technical authorization.

·Business license or company registration certificate (copy with official seal).

·Membership registration certificate — Proof of annual membership fee payment (Standard Membership: $10,000/year; Low-Volume Membership: $5,000/year).

·Agent authorization letter (if applying through an agent) — Must be sealed by both parties.

Category 2: Product Technical Documents ("Instruction Manuals")

1. Core Function Declaration (CDF Form)

-Capability Declaration Form (CDF) — Most critical document, detailing all HDMI functions supported by the product, including:

·Supported HDMI version (e.g., HDMI 2.1a or 2.2)

·Maximum resolution and refresh rate (e.g., 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz)

·HDR format support (HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision)

·Audio features (e.g., eARC, HDCP 2.3 support)

·HDMI 2.2 Exclusive: FRL 96Gbps bandwidth support, Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) support

2. Hardware Design Documents

·BOM list — Specify models of core HDMI chips (must be HDMI LA-certified chips).

·Circuit schematics — HDMI interface section (including signal integrity design).

·PCB layout diagrams — HDMI area (highlight impedance control and EMI protection).

·Interface definition documents — HDMI pin assignment and function descriptions.

3. Software/Firmware Documents

·HDMI protocol stack version description (specify FRL mode if supporting HDMI 2.2).

·HDCP 2.3 integration document — Explanation of content protection implementation.

·EDID configuration file — Enhanced Display Identification Data (including HF-EEODB extension block added in HDMI 2.2).

·Device control logic — e.g., hot-swapping, signal switching, power-saving mode.

4. User Manual (Including Trademark Usage Specifications)

·HDMI logo usage instructions — Correctly label "HDMI" and version identifiers (e.g., "Ultra96 HDMI").

·Function operation guide — HDMI interface usage, supported resolutions, and audio formats.

·Troubleshooting — Solutions for common connection issues.

Category 3: Testing-Related Documents and Prototypes

1. Test Application Documents

·ATC Test Application Form — Provided by the Authorized Test Center (ATC), to be filled with product information and test items.

·Test Service Contract — Agreement signed with the ATC (for first-time applicants).

2. Test Prototypes (Mandatory Requirements)

·3-5 fully functional engineering prototypes (identical to mass-produced versions).

·1 dedicated RF test prototype (capable of exporting signals for laboratory testing).

·Prototype labels — Mark product model, HDMI version, and test status ("For Certification Testing Only").

3. Pre-Test Report (Highly Recommended, Non-Mandatory)

·A pre-test report issued by the ATC (pass rate ≥95%) can significantly reduce the risk of formal test failure, saving time and costs.

Category 4: Regional Compliance Documents (Mandatory for Target Markets)

·EU Market: CE-RED certification report (including 6GHz anti-interference testing), ERP energy efficiency report (standby power consumption ≤0.5W).

·China Market: CCC certification report (for smart devices), GB 20943-2025 energy efficiency report (Class ≥2).

·US Market: FCC Part 15 certification report (additional 5.9GHz C-V2X interference testing required for automotive products).

·Other Markets: Corresponding certifications based on local regulations (e.g., Japan VCCI, South Korea KC).

Key Reminder: All technical documents must be in English or bilingual (Chinese-English) to ensure seamless review. For HDMI 2.2 products, use "Ultra96 HDMI" instead of "Ultra HDMI" or "HDMI 2.2 Cable" — incorrect terminology will result in immediate rejection.

  II. "Validity Period" of HDMI Compliance Certification

This is a common misunderstanding. HDMI certification has no fixed "expiration date"; instead, it is a "continuous compliance" dynamic status, depending on the ongoing fulfillment of the following conditions:

1. Maintenance of Membership Status (Basic Requirement)

-Annual membership fee payment — Absolutely mandatory. Failure to pay on time will result in:

·Immediate suspension of membership qualification.

·Invalidity of all product certification statuses.

·Prohibition from using the HDMI logo on products.

·Re-audit required after payment, taking approximately 1-2 weeks to reinstate eligibility.

2. Product Design Consistency (Core Guarantee)

Certification applies to a specific design version. Any "major change" will invalidate the certification. Major changes include:

·Replacement of HDMI chip (e.g., 2.1a → 2.2): Constitutes a major change; re-certification is mandatory.

·Modification of PCB layout (HDMI area): Constitutes a major change; re-testing is required.

·Alteration of physical specifications of the HDMI interface: Constitutes a major change; re-certification is mandatory.

·Change in cable product length: Constitutes a major change; separate certification is required (each length tested individually).

·Software update (without changing HDMI functions): Does not constitute a major change; no re-certification needed, but filing is required.

·Change in product model (without internal design modifications): Does not constitute a major change; "derivative model" filing is required.

Special Note: HDMI cable certification is the strictest — each length and model must undergo separate testing and certification, with a unique certification label.

3. Adaptation to Standard Upgrades (Dynamic Requirement)

-When the HDMI Forum releases a mandatory upgrade standard (e.g., transition from 2.1 to 2.2) with a compliance deadline:

·Already certified products must complete adaptation and submit supplementary testing within 6 months.

·Products failing to adapt in time will have their certification invalidated after the mandatory deadline.

·HDMI 2.2 is the latest standard (released in June 2025), supporting 96Gbps bandwidth — all newly certified products must comply.

4. "Trigger Conditions" for Certification Invalidation (Explicitly Stated in 2025)

Certification will be immediately invalidated in the following cases:

-HDCP violations (e.g., cracking content protection).

-Non-compliance with regional regulations detected during market inspections (e.g., EU energy efficiency violations).

-Submission of false certification materials (e.g., prototypes inconsistent with mass-produced versions) — the applicant will be blacklisted and prohibited from reapplying for 6 months.

The core value of HDMI certification lies in ensuring compatibility with over 14 billion HDMI devices worldwide, not just obtaining a logo. A successful certification = complete and accurate application materials + a deep understanding of "continuous compliance". It is recommended to integrate HDMI compliance into the entire product lifecycle management and establish a dedicated document and change control system. This not only ensures one-time certification success but also maintains compliance throughout the product’s lifecycle, earning your product a "passport" for global market access. For more targeted material preparation advice, please specify your product type (e.g., TV, game console, cable).

BLUEASIA Technology: +86 13534225140 provides professional certification consulting services.