Introduction

Lithium-ion cells power the world's portable electronics — smartphones, laptops, tablets, wearables and more. To enter major international markets such as the EU, Japan, South Korea and Australia, manufacturers typically need CB certification based on IEC 62133-2:2017. A single CB test report and certificate can support local certification applications across multiple CB scheme member countries, making it one of the most efficient international compliance routes for portable lithium-ion cells.

This guide explains the IEC 62133-2 standard, its core test requirements, the CB certification application process and key market compliance requirements.

1. Standard Overview

IEC 62133-2:2017 — "Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries for use in portable applications" — is developed by IEC Technical Committee 21. It is the stand-alone lithium-specific edition split from the combined IEC 62133:2012, with refined test requirements tailored to lithium-ion cells. The IECEE CB scheme recognizes it as the reference standard for portable lithium-ion battery CB certification.

�� Quick Reference

Standard: IEC 62133-2:2017

Issuing Body: IEC Technical Committee 21

Scope: Rechargeable lithium-ion cells and battery packs for portable consumer electronics

CB Scheme: IECEE CB scheme recognized standard

China: GB 31241 (separate standard — not directly equivalent; independent certification required)

Note: Industrial storage / EV batteries fall under IEC 62619, not this standard

2. Scope of Application

IEC 62133-2 applies to rechargeable lithium-ion secondary cells and battery packs used in portable consumer electronics, including:

● Smartphone, tablet and laptop batteries

● Wearable device cells (smartwatches, bands, earbuds)

● Portable power bank cells

● Small portable power tool batteries (select consumer products)

● Other lithium-ion cells for portable consumer electronics

IEC 62133-2 does not apply to industrial energy storage, electric vehicles or stationary applications (IEC 62619 applies), or to primary (non-rechargeable) lithium batteries (IEC 60086-4 applies).

3. Core Test Items

IEC 62133-2 tests are grouped into three safety categories. All applicable items must pass before a compliant CB test report can be issued:

Electrical Safety Tests

● Continuous low-rate overcharge (§8.3.1): Cell is charged at a low C-rate continuously beyond rated voltage to assess long-duration overcharge safety.

● High-rate overcharge (§8.3.2): Cell is charged at a high C-rate to simulate fast-charge abuse scenarios.

● External short circuit (§8.3.3): Fully charged cell terminals are shorted at ambient temperature to verify no hazardous failure occurs.

● Forced discharge (§8.3.4): Fully discharged cell is reverse-charged via an external power source to evaluate reverse-current safety limits.

Mechanical Safety Tests

● Vibration (§8.2.1): Sinusoidal vibration per specified profile simulating transport and use environments.

● Mechanical shock (§8.2.2): Half-sine shock pulses simulate drop or collision impacts.

● Drop (§8.2.3): Cell is dropped from a specified height onto a hard surface to verify accidental drop safety.

Environmental Safety Tests

● High temperature exposure (§8.1.1): Fully charged cell is exposed to 70°C for 4 hours to verify thermal stability.

● Temperature cycling (§8.1.2): Cyclic temperature testing to assess thermal stress effects on cell safety.

4. CB Certification Application Process

The typical process for obtaining CB certification based on IEC 62133-2:

Note: NCB = National Certification Body recognized by IECEE. NCB requirements and service scope may vary. Select an NCB that covers your target markets.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What products does IEC 62133-2 apply to?

IEC 62133-2:2017 applies to rechargeable lithium-ion cells and battery packs for portable consumer electronics including smartphones, laptops, tablets and wearables. It does not cover industrial energy storage, EVs or stationary applications (IEC 62619), or primary lithium batteries (IEC 60086-4).

Q2: What are the core IEC 62133-2 test items?

Test items cover: electrical safety (continuous low-rate overcharge, high-rate overcharge, external short circuit, forced discharge); mechanical safety (vibration, mechanical shock, drop); environmental safety (high temperature exposure at 70°C, temperature cycling). All applicable items must pass.

Q3: What is the relationship between CB certification and IEC 62133-2?

IEC 62133-2 is the IECEE CB scheme reference standard for portable lithium-ion batteries. A CB certificate based on IEC 62133-2 enables local certification in multiple CB scheme member countries (EU,Korea, Australia, etc.), significantly reducing duplicated testing costs.

Q4: What changed in IEC 62133-2:2017 vs the first edition?

IEC 62133-2:2017 is a stand-alone lithium-specific edition split from IEC 62133:2012, with refined high-rate overcharge and high temperature exposure parameters, and alignment with related standards. It is the current CB certification basis.

Q5: Does GDESTL provide IEC 62133-2 testing services?

GDESTL provides third-party lithium-ion cell testing in accordance with IEC 62133-2:2017, issuing test reports for CB certification and international compliance. Visit www.gdestl.com or contact us for details.

Conclusion

IEC 62133-2 CB certification is one of the most efficient international compliance routes for portable lithium-ion cells. A single CB test report and certificate can support certification applications across multiple global markets, streamlining market entry and reducing costs. For lithium-ion cell IEC 62133-2 testing services, contact Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Laboratory (GDESTL) at www.gdestl.com.