Foreword

North America is one of the world’s largest and most demanding markets for lithium-ion batteries.The United States and Canada operate the most rigorous and systematic product safety certification systems globally.

Unlike the EU’s CE framework, North America uses a distinctive model:voluntary standards, de facto mandatory enforcement.While certifications such as UL are technically voluntary, they have become essential proof required by consumers, major retailers, e-commerce platforms, and regulators.

For exporters targeting the U.S., Canada, Amazon North America, Walmart, Costco, and other top retailers,understanding the North American certification system is the first step to market entry.

This article provides a complete overview of core certifications, applicable standards, and common pitfalls for lithium batteries entering North America.

1. Unique Features of the North American Certification System

1.1 Dual Structure: Federal Regulations + Industry Standards

U.S. lithium battery regulation involves multiple federal agencies:

• CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission): Enforces consumer safety and is developing federal standards for micro-mobility lithium batteries.
• DOT / PHMSA: Regulates battery transportation under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).
• OSHA: Recognizes test reports from NRTLs (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories).

1.2 The Dominant Role of UL Standards

Although UL standards are not universally mandated by federal law, they are de facto mandatory in practice:

• Amazon requires UL test reports for listing.
• Walmart, Costco, and major retailers make UL certification a prerequisite.
• Insurance companies often require UL compliance for product liability coverage.
• Non-UL products face higher recall risks.

1.3 U.S.-Canada Mutual Recognition

Canada primarily uses CSA standards, but UL and ETL certifications are widely accepted.Both countries are aligning closely, with more ANSI/CAN/UL dual-number standards being adopted.

2. Core North American Certification Standards

2.1 Cell Level: UL 1642

UL 1642 is the primary safety standard for lithium-ion and lithium-metal cells.

• Scope: Lithium primary and secondary cells used in end products.
• Focus: Safety during use, user replacement, and disposal.
• Tests: Electrical, mechanical, environmental, capacity, and cycle life.
• Key note: UL 1642 is the foundation for battery pack certification.

2.2 Battery Pack Level: UL 2054

UL 2054 is the most widely used standard for household and commercial battery packs.

• Scope: Li-ion, Li-polymer, NiMH, NiCd, lead-acid packs for electronics, power tools, toys, and power banks.
• Core tests:
  • Overcharge, over-discharge, short-circuit, overcurrent protection
  • Crush, impact, vibration, drop
  • High-temperature storage, temperature cycling, humidity
• Key comparison:
  • UL 2054: Wider scope, stricter requirements (North America focus)
  • IEC 62133: Global, EU-focused, rechargeable batteries only

2.3 End Product Standards

UL 2056 – Power Banks

• Standard: ANSI/CAN/UL 2056:2025
• Scope: Power banks ≤ 60Vdc, ≤ 100Wh
• Mandatory for Amazon US – cannot be replaced by UL 1642 or UL 2054.
• 2025 updates: forced discharge, input power, UL94 V‑2 flammability, and static pressure testing.

UL 2271 / UL 2849 / UL 2272 – Light Electric Vehicles

These standards are moving toward federal mandatory status under the H.R.973 Act:

• UL 2271: Batteries for LEVs (Light Electric Vehicles)
• UL 2849: Electrical systems for e‑bikes
• UL 2272: Electrical systems for hoverboards

UL 4200A – Products Containing Button Batteries

• Supports Reese’s Law to protect children.
• Requires secure battery compartments and clear warning labels.

2.4 Canadian Market: CSA Standards

• CSA C22.2 No. 60086‑4: Safety of lithium batteries
• CSA C22.2 No. 62133: Portable rechargeable batteries
• CSA C22.2 No. 349: Energy storage systems

Health Canada is proposing new rules under the CCPSA (Canada Consumer Product Safety Act).

3. Transportation Safety: UN38.3

Mandatory for all lithium batteries shipped to the U.S. and Canada.

• Required by the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
• Enforced by U.S. HMR
• Tests: low pressure, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, short circuit, crush, overcharge, forced discharge
• A Test Summary is required for all air and sea shipments.

4. Common Mistakes & Compliance Traps

Trap 1: Misunderstanding “voluntary vs. mandatory”

UL is technically voluntary but required by Amazon, retailers, and insurers.

Trap 2: Confusing cell, pack, and end-product certification

• UL 1642 (cell) ≠ UL 2054 (pack) ≠ UL 2056 (power bank)
• Power banks require UL 2056, not just cell or pack certifications.

Trap 3: Using outdated standard editions

• UL 2056: 2025 edition (new mandatory tests)
• UL 2054: 8th edition (2023)Old reports risk rejection by platforms or customs.

Trap 4: Poor BMS or material compliance

Common failures: slow BMS response, insufficient flame resistance (UL94), weak sealing, missing labeling.

Trap 5: Ignoring Canada’s specific rules

• Bilingual (English + French) labeling
• Unique CSA deviations
• Upcoming Health Canada regulations

Trap 6: Amazon report upload errors

• Reports must come from an ISO 17025 lab
• Labs must upload directly to Amazon’s TIC system
• Model, parameters, and photos must match exactly

5. North America Certification Summary Table

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Conclusion

North America operates a “voluntary standard, de facto mandatory” compliance system.UL certifications are already required by major platforms and retailers.With H.R.973 moving forward, many UL standards will soon become federally mandatory.Canada is also strengthening lithium battery regulations under the CCPSA.

For exporters, early compliance planning and a professional testing partner are critical to entering North America successfully.We provide full certification support to help your products obtain a North American market pass and enter the U.S. and Canada with full confidence.