For lithium battery exports to Japan, Southeast Asia and other global markets, compliance certification is the key to opening overseas markets. Among international standards, JIS C 62133-2:2020 is a portable lithium battery safety standard recognized by Japan METI, and also a mandatory compliance threshold for lithium batteries entering the Japanese market.

Formulated based on IEC 62133-2:2017, JIS C 62133-2:2020 adds unique Japanese technical requirements, with obvious differences in test items and judgment criteria. For Chinese lithium battery manufacturers exporting to Japan, accurate understanding of JIS C 62133-2:2020 technical requirements is the prerequisite for completing PSE certification smoothly.

Full Interpretation of JIS C 62133-2:2020

Standard Background & Regulatory Position

Full name of JIS C 62133-2:2020:Safety of sealed small secondary battery packs for portable electronic products — Part 2: Lithium systemsIssued by JISC (Japanese Industrial Standards Committee).

Under Japan’s Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (PSE Law), this standard is designated as the applicable regulation for portable lithium batteries.Since February 1, 2022, JIS C 62133-2:2020 has officially replaced the old version JIS C 62133-2:2015, becoming the new applicable standard for lithium battery PSE certification.

Main Differences: JIS C 62133-2:2020 vs IEC 62133-2:2017

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Scope of Application

Applicable Products

• Rated voltage: Portable sealed small secondary cells and battery packs ≤ 600V DC
• Chemistry: Lithium-ion battery & lithium polymer battery
• Application: Portable electronic products — mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, power tools, earphones, speakers and other consumer electronics

Not Applicable

• EV traction batteries (follow dedicated standards)
• Medical device batteries (follow JIS C 8714 and other special standards)

Important Note:Detachable or built-in portable lithium-ion battery packs fall within JIS C 62133-2:2020 scope. Batteries for e-bikes and light electric scooters shall be judged by specific voltage and application.

Detailed Introduction to 8 Core Test Items

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Special Note:For LCO lithium cobalt oxide cells, JIS C 62133-2:2020 requires thermal abuse testing at 130℃, higher than most international standards, which is one of Japan’s strict characteristic indicators.

JIS C 62133-2 & PSE Certification Process

Overview of PSE Certification

PSE (Product Safety Electrical Appliance & Material) certification is a mandatory market access system stipulated by Japan Electrical Appliance Safety Law.Portable lithium batteries are classified as Class A Specified Electrical Appliances, mandatory to affix the Diamond PSE Mark.

Basic PSE Certification Process

1. Application & Document SubmissionSubmit application to METI-recognized third-party certification body; provide specification, circuit diagram, structure drawing, BOM, etc.
2. Type TestDeliver samples to JIS C 62133-2:2020 recognized laboratory for full-item testing.
3. Factory AuditReview manufacturer’s quality management system.
4. Certificate IssuanceIssue PSE certificate after passing (valid for 3–7 years depending on authority).
5. Marking LabelingAffix Diamond PSE mark and manufacturer information on products.

Synergy Between CB Certification and PSE Certification

IECEE CB Scheme is an international mutual recognition system operated by IEC. Chinese manufacturers can simplify PSE certification via two paths:

• Path 1: Apply CB test report based on IEC 62133-2:2017 → Submit to Japanese PSE authority → Supplement JIS unique item tests after gap assessment.
• Path 2: Directly apply CB test report under JIS C 62133-2:2020 → Can be used for PSE certification simultaneously.

CB reports avoid repeated testing, cutting certification cost and cycle. It is recommended to adopt CB + PSE combined certification.

Export to Southeast Asia: Selection of IEC 62619 & JIS Standards

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For enterprises exporting to both Japan and Southeast Asia, adopt JIS C 62133-2:2020 as the highest standard for testing; its strict criteria can cover most Southeast Asian market compliance requirements.

Testing Institution Professional Support

Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology has rich experience in lithium battery international certification, providing full support for Japan and Southeast Asia exports:

• Full testing per JIS C 62133-2:2020 covering 8 core items, issue internationally recognized test reports
• CB certification testing per IEC 62133-2:2017 for global mutual recognition
• PSE pre-review service: document sorting and standard gap identification
• Product gap analysis: provide rectification suggestions against JIS requirements
• IEC 62619:2022 industrial energy storage testing for AGV, robot and ESS supporting batteries

All test reports are internationally recognized, supporting stable market expansion in Japan and Southeast Asia.

FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between JIS C 62133-2:2020 and IEC 62133-2:2017?

A: JIS C 62133-2:2020 is formulated by JISC based on IEC 62133-2:2017. Main differences: higher 130℃ thermal abuse temperature for LCO cells; additional secondary safety assessment; stricter cell capacity regulation; exclusive JIS marking and packaging rules. Overall, JIS version is stricter in multiple test criteria.

Q2: Is PSE certification mandatory for portable lithium batteries exported to Japan?

A: Yes. Per Japan PSE Law, portable sealed small lithium battery packs ≤600V DC belong to Class A Specified Electrical Appliances. Diamond PSE mark and PSE certification are mandatory for legal sales in Japan. JIS C 62133-2:2020 has been officially enforced since Feb 1, 2022.

Q3: What is the testing cycle of JIS C 62133-2:2020?

A: Full-item testing usually takes 3–5 weeks, depending on sample quantity, test scope and laboratory schedule.

Q4: What is the relationship between CB and PSE certification? How to coordinate?

A: The IECEE CB Scheme enables mutual recognition among 54 member countries. CB reports can be reused to reduce duplicate testing, lower cost and shorten cycle for Japan PSE application.

Q5: Which certification should be prioritized for exporting to both Japan and Southeast Asia?

A: Adopt JIS C 62133-2:2020 as the unified highest standard. Passing JIS testing can cover most Southeast Asian compliance requirements. For industrial energy storage scenarios, IEC 62619:2022 testing is also recommended.