For lithium-ion battery manufacturers, brands, and exporters, global market access compliance has evolved from a “technical threshold” to a business lifeline. Countries and regions impose complex, frequently updated mandatory requirements for battery safety, environmental protection, and transportation. Systematically understanding and efficiently completing these certifications is the first step to successful global expansion and avoiding severe financial losses.

01 Why Global Certification Is Mandatory for Lithium Batteries

Due to high energy density, lithium-ion batteries carry risks of overheating, fire, and explosion. Regulators worldwide classify lithium batteries as dangerous goods (UN3480 / UN3481).

• International Transport: UN38.3 (UN Manual of Tests and Criteria) is compulsory for air, sea, and land shipment. Carriers may refuse transportation without a valid UN38.3 test report.
• Regulatory Updates:
  • Since 2024, power banks without CCC marking are banned on Chinese domestic flights.
  • The EU New Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 entered into force in August 2024, introducing new rules for carbon footprint, battery passport, and recycled content.

02 Quick Overview: Major Global Market Certification Requirements

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03 Certification by Battery Application

Consumer Electronics (Phones, Laptops, Drones, etc.)

• IEC 62133-2: Global safety standard for lithium batteries
• UL 2054 / UL 1642: US pack & cell safety (required by Amazon)
• PSE: Japan
• KC: South Korea
• BIS: India

Power Li-ion Batteries (EV, e-bike, etc.)

• UL 2580: USA (EV / HEV battery packs)
• ECE R100: EU (vehicle traction battery systems)
• GB/T 31467 / GB 38031: China (EV battery safety)

Energy Storage (Home & C&I ESS)

• IEC 62619: International industrial storage safety
• UL 1973 / UL 9540A: USA (storage systems & thermal runaway propagation)
• JIS C8715-2: Japan (home energy storage)

04 In-depth Core Certifications

International Universal Certifications

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IEC 62133: Global Cornerstone of Portable Battery Safety

IEC 62133 is the most important international safety standard for portable batteries:

• Part 1: Nickel-based batteries
• Part 2: Lithium-based batteries

Tests include:

• Continuous low-rate charging
• 130°C thermal abuse
• 13kN crush test
• Overcharge / over-discharge protection for battery packs

EU Market: New Battery Regulation (2024 onwards)

The EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 has raised compliance barriers significantly.Mandatory for EU market entry:

• CE marking
• UN38.3 test report
• RoHS / REACH compliance
• Carbon footprint declaration
• Recycled content documentation
• Battery passport (for industrial and EV batteries)

US Market: UL as De Facto Standard

While no single federal mandatory certification exists, UL standards are widely required by retailers, platforms, and states:

• UL 2054: Full evaluation of electrical, mechanical, and environmental safety
• CPSC is pushing to elevate UL standards to federal mandatory levels
• California SB 1215 (from 1 Jan 2026): Recycling fee for products with embedded batteries

CB Certification: One Test, Global Access

The CB Scheme (IECEE) covers 54 member countries, enabling “one test, global acceptance.” It greatly simplifies cross-market compliance.

05 Full Efficient Certification Process

Phase 1: Planning & Documentation

1. Confirm target markets and required certifications.
2. Select a qualified lab with CNAS, CMA, IECEE CBTL accreditation.
3. Prepare technical documents:
   • Product specification, schematic, PCB layout
   • BOM & component certifications
   • Protection IC / MOSFET specs
   • English label
   • ISO 9001 (if available)

Phase 2: Sample Testing

• Battery packs: 10–20 samples
• Cells: 10–20 samples
• Timeline:
  • CB / CE: 2–8 weeks
  • CCC / UL: 2–4+ months (including factory audit)

Phase 3: Factory Audit & Post-Certification Supervision

Certifications such as CCC and UL require initial and annual factory inspections to maintain validity.

06 Cost & Timeline Reference

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Cost components:

• Application & service fee
• Testing fee
• Certification & report fee

Using a CB report for national conversion can save 30%–50% cost.

07 FAQ

Q: My battery passed CE. Why is UL still required for the US?

A: CE is an EU regulatory requirement. UL is a widely recognized safety standard in the US. The two systems are independent and not interchangeable.

Q: Can one certificate cover all our battery models?

A: Yes, if they qualify for family certification: same critical design, cell, BMS, and circuit; differences only in non-safety features (appearance, color, capacity within a limited range).

Q: How long does certification take?

A: CB / CE: 2–8 weeks. UL / CCC (with factory audit): 2–4+ months.

Q: Are certificates permanent?

A: No. Most require annual surveillance.

• CCC: 5 years
• UL: typically 3 years

Q: Beyond safety and transport, what else matters?

A: Environmental regulations: EU RoHS / REACH, California Prop 65. ISO 9001 helps win large clients.

Q: Difference between IEC 62133 and UN38.3?

A: IEC 62133 focuses on product use safety. UN38.3 focuses on transport safety. Both are usually required.

Conclusion

As global safety and environmental requirements tighten, compliance is no longer optional—it is essential for market access, brand reputation, and user protection.

Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd.is a professional third-party lab with top-tier international accreditations: CNAS, CMA, IECEE CBTL.We provide:

• Standard interpretation
• Pre-test evaluation
• Formal testing
• CB-to-national certification conversion

We help you achieve high first-pass rates, shorten lead times, and optimize compliance costs.

Contact us for a custom certification plan and quotation based on your product and target markets.