If you manufacture, sell, or export any portable electronic product containing rechargeable batteries, the standard IEC 62133 is critically important to your business.

It is not only the globally recognized safety benchmark for batteries but has also become the mandatory universal compliance language for cross-border e-commerce platforms reviewing battery-powered products. A test report compliant with the latest edition of IEC 62133 is the essential document to safely launch your products in international markets and avoid listing removal risks.

01 What Is IEC 62133?

IEC 62133 is one of the world’s most important safety standards for batteries used in portable electronic products. Its full title is:Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes – Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and batteries, for use in portable applications.

Core Status

Published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this standard is adopted or converted into national standards by most countries and regions worldwide, including:

• China: GB 31241
• EU: EN 62133
• Japan: JIS C 62133

It serves as the global technical language for battery safety.

Core Objective

Through a series of tests simulating normal use and reasonably foreseeable misuse, IEC 62133 ensures batteries will not cause fire, explosion, leakage, or other hazards under normal operation and single-fault conditions, protecting end-user safety and property.

02 Product Scope: Does Your Battery Need IEC 62133?

IEC 62133 applies primarily to rechargeable secondary batteries for portable electronic devices. Nearly all common consumer electronics with built-in or external batteries require evaluation against this standard.

Key Point:The standard applies to complete battery packs, not just cells. Even if your cells are certified, the final battery pack (with protection circuit, housing, and connectors) must be tested as a finished assembly. This is a common compliance pitfall for many manufacturers.

03 Why Global Platforms Prioritize IEC 62133

Obtaining an IEC 62133 report has evolved from a technical recommendation to a mandatory market access requirement, driven by three key factors:

1. Mandatory Listing Requirement on Cross-Border E-Commerce Platforms

Major global platforms including Amazon, AliExpress, eBay, and Walmart now require an IEC 62133 (or equivalent EN 62133 / UL 62133) test report as a mandatory document for battery-powered products.Products without a valid report face direct blocking or delisting.

2. Universal Technical Passport for Global Market Access

Due to wide international adoption, an IEC 62133 report serves as a strong foundation for multi-country certification:

• Supports CE marking in the EU (via EN 62133)
• Forms the core of a CB Scheme report, convertible to certifications in over 60 countries
• Provides widely accepted evidence of battery safety for the US market

3. Supply Chain Qualification for Global Brands & Importers

International brands and large importers use IEC 62133 compliance as a core quality and safety criterion. This report is often a prerequisite for OEM/ODM orders and entry into high-end supply chains.

04 Required Documentation for IEC 62133 Testing

Working with an internationally accredited laboratory ensures efficient and reliable certification.

Core Document List (English or bilingual required):

• Completed application form
• Battery specification sheet
• Circuit schematics & PCB layout
• Bill of Materials (BOM) for key components
• Sufficient test samples:
  • Cells: ≥ 30 pcs
  • Battery packs: ≥ 15 pcs
• Designated charger (if applicable)
• Battery label / nameplate artwork

Critical Note:Choose a laboratory with IECEE CBTL (CB Testing Laboratory) accreditation. This ensures global recognition of test results and enables direct conversion to national certifications without redundant testing.

05 Test Items, Cost & Timeline

Main Test Items

Cell Tests

• Continuous low-rate charging
• Thermal abuse
• Crushing
• Overcharge
• Forced discharge

Battery Pack Tests

• External short circuit
• Abnormal charging
• Overcharge
• Forced discharge
• Mechanical tests (drop, vibration)
• Low-pressure simulation (altitude / air transport)

Cost

Cost varies based on:

• Battery chemistry (Li-ion, Ni-MH, etc.) and capacity
• Whether testing is for a standalone IEC 62133 report or a full CB certificate
• Series model coverage (multiple similar models can share cost)

Typical range: several thousand to tens of thousands RMB per model.

Timeline

• Standard lead time: 4–6 weeks from sample arrival to final report
• Pre-testing can identify issues early and avoid delays from retesting

06 Why Choose Guangdong Energy Storage Testing?

As a specialist in battery and new energy certification, Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. delivers value beyond basic testing:

• Up-to-date standard expertise: We track the latest IEC 62133 revisions and guide compliant design from the start.
• High first-pass rate: Our database of common failure points (thermal abuse, BMS design flaws) enables pre-testing and design optimization.
• One-stop global certification: As a CBTL lab, we support direct conversion to KC (Korea), SII (Saudi Arabia), and other national certifications.
• Transparent project management: Dedicated project managers, clear pricing, and fixed timelines to keep your launch on schedule.

07 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the relationship between IEC 62133 and CB Report?

A: IEC 62133 is a safety standard. A CB Report is an internationally recognized document based on IEC test results (often including IEC 62133). A CB Report avoids redundant testing when applying for national certifications.

Q: If my product already has UL certification (e.g. UL 2054), do I still need IEC 62133?

A: It depends on your target market.

• EU & IEC-aligned markets often require IEC 62133 / EN 62133.
• North America typically prefers UL standards.The two systems are not fully interchangeable; choose based on your primary market.

Q: Can one report cover future upgraded models?

A: No. Changes to cell model, BMS design, core materials, or structure that may affect safety require re-evaluation or difference testing. Always consult your lab before modifying designs.

Q: If cells have IEC 62133 approval, is the battery pack automatically approved?

A: No. Cell approval only validates individual cells. The final battery pack (with protection circuit, housing, wiring) must be tested and certified separately.

In global trade, safety compliance is the foundation of brand reputation and consumer trust. An authoritative IEC 62133 report is not only a key to platform approval but also a strategic asset to strengthen product competitiveness and gain global market confidence.