As global requirements for lithium battery safety and environmental protection continue to rise, a complete set of certification "passes" has become a rigid threshold for products to enter the international market. Whether sold to China, the EU, or North America, different certification systems form a complex yet necessary compliance network.

Understanding and proactively planning for these certification requirements is a core competency that lithium battery manufacturers, brand owners, and exporters must master.

01 Necessity of Certification

Due to their high energy density, lithium-ion batteries bring convenience while posing risks such as overheating, fire, and even explosion. Global regulatory authorities therefore classify lithium batteries as dangerous goods (UN3480/UN3481) for management.

Since 2024, Chinese domestic flights have prohibited carrying power banks without the CCC mark. Meanwhile, the EU’s New Battery Regulation officially came into effect in August 2024, introducing new requirements for carbon footprint, battery passports, and more.

At the international transportation level, the UN38.3 test from the United Nations’ Manual of Tests and Criteria for Dangerous Goods is a mandatory compliance standard for lithium battery air, sea, and land transport. Carriers have the right to refuse transportation of untested batteries.

02 Quick Overview of Certification Requirements for Major Global Markets

03 In-Depth Analysis of Core Regional Certifications

Certification logics and priorities vary across markets. A deep understanding of these differences is the foundation for enterprises to develop compliance strategies.

EU Market: CE Certification & New Battery Regulation

CE certification is the legal minimum threshold for entering the EU market. Enterprises must ensure products comply with relevant directives such as the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive.

Notably, compliance with EN 62133-2 alone is insufficient for full CE certification. Environmental regulations such as RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) are also mandatory.

US Market: UL Certification & State-Level Regulations

While there is no single mandatory federal certification for US market access, UL certification has become the de facto safety standard. For example, UL 2054 comprehensively evaluates the electrical, mechanical, and environmental safety of batteries.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is promoting the elevation of standards such as UL 2271 (light electric vehicle batteries) to federal-level access requirements. Starting January 1, 2026, California’s SB 1215 Act will impose recycling fees on products with embedded batteries.

Chinese Market: CCC Certification New Rules

CCC certification is a mandatory access certificate for domestic sales in China. On August 15, 2025, the certification rules for power banks, lithium-ion batteries, and battery packs were updated.

The new rules clarify that the certification certificate is valid for 5 years, and standard-specification certification marks must be affixed to the product itself. For batteries with limited volume, the abbreviation "CCC" is allowed to be printed.

Japanese Market: PSE Certification & Standard Updates

Japan regulates electrical product safety through PSE certification. Under Japan’s Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act, lithium-ion storage batteries typically require the round PSE mark.

Enterprises must pay attention to standard updates—for example, the J62368-1 standard will be upgraded to the 2023 version after April 30, 2026.

04 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Enterprises often face common questions when planning certifications. Below are answers to key queries:

Q: Why do I need UL certification for the US market if my battery already has CE certification?

A: CE certification is a legal requirement in the EU, while UL certification is a widely recognized voluntary safety standard in the US. The two systems are independent with different standards. Although international standards like IEC 62133 are adopted by many countries, nations typically incorporate local differences or derive their own national standards (e.g., UL 62133 in the US).

Q: Can one certification cover all our company’s battery models?

A: Yes, but the "series certification" criteria must be met. Models must share the same key designs, core components (e.g., cells, protection boards), and circuit principles, with differences only in non-safety parameters such as appearance, color, and capacity. Series certification significantly saves time and costs.

Q: How long does the entire certification process take from initiation to obtaining the certificate?

A: The timeline varies by target market, product complexity, and certification body. Typically, single certifications like CB or CE take 2-8 weeks. Certifications involving complex testing and factory inspections (e.g., CCC, UL) may take 2-4 months or longer.

Q: Are certification certificates valid permanently?

A: No. Most certifications have a validity period and require annual supervision to maintain. For example, Chinese CCC certificates are valid for 5 years, and US UL certificates are usually valid for 3 years. Enterprises must undergo regular factory inspections or supervision tests to keep certificates valid.

Q: Beyond safety and transportation certifications, are there other aspects to consider?

A: Yes. Environmental regulations are increasingly important, such as the EU’s RoHS, REACH, and California’s Proposition 65. While quality management system certifications (e.g., ISO 9001) are not mandatory for product access, they demonstrate an enterprise’s ability to stably produce compliant products and are key to gaining the trust of major customers.

Future Trends

With the EU’s battery passport launching in 2026, carbon footprint data will no longer be a "bonus" but a mandatory access QR code for all large batteries entering Europe.

US recycling laws and federal safety regulations are spreading from state to national levels, while China’s new national standards are tightening safety thresholds year by year.

In the future, compliance will no longer be the final step before product launch but a lifecycle-wide priority spanning cell selection, BMS design, supply chain management, and even end-of-life recycling.