Battery Certification Requirements are more than just a compliance step, they are the key to safety, reliability, and market access worldwide. From electric bikes and scooters to energy storage systems and electric vehicles, certification standards vary by region and determine whether your product can be legally sold, transported, and trusted by customers.
Battery certification requirements differ across the US, EU, and international markets. In the US, UL and FCC standards dominate, while the EU requires CE, EN/IEC, UN, and ECE certifications. Other regions, such as Japan, Korea, China, and India, enforce their own safety marks like PSE, KC, GB/T, and BIS.
Understanding which certifications are necessary for your target market is critical for product approval and global expansion. Below, we break down the essential certification requirements across major regions.
Battery Certification Requirements in the United States (US)
UL Certification – UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is the primary body for battery safety in the US:
- UL 2271 – Batteries for light electric vehicles (e-bikes, e-scooters).
- UL 2580 – Batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).
- UL 1642 – Lithium-ion cells.
- UL 2054 – Household and commercial battery packs.
FCC Certification – Mandatory if the battery integrates wireless communication modules (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G).
UN 38.3 – Required for lithium battery transport across all shipping channels.
Certification | Scope | Applies To | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
UL 2271 | Rechargeable battery safety | Light electric vehicles (e-bikes, scooters) | Covers electrical, mechanical, and environmental safety. |
UL 2580 | Traction battery safety | Electric vehicles (EVs) | Includes crash safety, fire resistance, thermal shock, and vibration testing. |
UL 1642 | Lithium-ion cell safety | Individual lithium-ion cells | Ensures cells do not rupture, leak, or explode under abuse conditions. |
UL 2054 | Household/commercial packs | Battery packs in consumer electronics and commercial use | Evaluates electrical, mechanical, and environmental protection. |
FCC | Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) | Batteries with wireless modules (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/4G) | Prevents interference with other wireless devices. |
UN 38.3 | Transport safety | All lithium-ion batteries | Required for air, sea, and land shipment; includes altitude, vibration, shock, thermal, and impact tests. |
Battery Certification Requirements in the European Union (EU)
CE Marking – Market entry requirement, covering safety, health, and environmental compliance.
EN / IEC Standards – Widely applied across EU countries:
- IEC 62133-2 – Lithium batteries for portable applications.
- EN 15194 – Batteries for e-bikes (EPAC).
- EN 50604 – Safety standard for light electric vehicle batteries.
ECE Regulations – Mandatory for certain vehicle batteries:
- ECE R10 – Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for automotive components including batteries.
- ECE R136 – Safety requirements for traction batteries in electric vehicles.
UN 38.3 – Transport requirement.
RoHS & REACH – Environmental regulations restricting specific hazardous materials and ensuring chemical safety.
Certification | Scope | Applies To | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
CE Marking | Market approval | All batteries placed on EU market | Demonstrates compliance with EU directives/regulations. |
IEC 62133-2 | Rechargeable battery safety | Portable lithium-ion cells and packs | Focuses on electrical, mechanical, and environmental safety. |
EN 15194 | EPAC battery safety | Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (e-bikes) | Includes EMC, electrical safety, and performance requirements. |
EN 50604 | Light EV batteries | E-scooters, hoverboards, LEVs | Addresses design, safety, and reliability. |
ECE R10 | EMC compliance | Vehicle components including batteries | Prevents electromagnetic interference in vehicles. |
ECE R136 | Traction battery safety | EV batteries | Covers fire resistance, electrical abuse, mechanical shock, and thermal propagation. |
UN 38.3 | Transport | All lithium-ion batteries | Mandatory for logistics and shipment within EU/global. |
RoHS / REACH | Environmental compliance | All batteries | Limits hazardous substances (RoHS) and requires chemical safety reporting (REACH). |
Battery Certification Requirements in International Markets
Japan: PSE Mark (DENAN Law) – Required for lithium-ion batteries in consumer and industrial products.
South Korea: KC Certification – Mandatory safety and EMC certification for electronic products, including batteries.
China
- GB/T Standards – National battery safety and performance standards.
- CCC (China Compulsory Certification) – Applicable to specific battery-powered products.
India: BIS Certification (IS 16046) – Mandatory for lithium cells and batteries to ensure safety and reliability.
Global Transport & Common Standards
- UN 38.3 – Universal requirement for shipping lithium batteries.
- IEC Standards (IEC 62133, IEC 62619, IEC 62620, etc.) – Internationally recognized safety and performance standards, often harmonized with regional laws.
Country/Region | Certification | Scope | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Japan | PSE (DENAN Law) | Consumer & industrial batteries | Mandatory safety mark for products entering Japanese market. |
South Korea | KC Certification | Electrical safety + EMC | Required for battery-powered products and electronics. |
China | GB/T Standards, CCC | Safety & performance | GB/T are technical standards, CCC mandatory for some products. |
India | BIS (IS 16046) | Lithium-ion cells & batteries | Safety and performance certification; aligned with IEC 62133. |
Global | UN 38.3, IEC certification | Transport + safety | Required for all lithium batteries in international logistics. |
What’s New in 2025: Battery Certification Updates and Trends
As battery technology evolves, so do the regulations governing safety, sustainability, and market access. Here’s what’s new in battery certification for 2025:
EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) Implementation
The EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542), which began applying in February 2024, introduces stricter requirements starting August 18, 2025, replacing the older Battery Directive (2006/66/EC). Key updates include:
- Mandatory CE Marking: All batteries, including those in products or sold separately, must carry a CE marking to indicate compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental standards. For batteries over 2 kWh (e.g., EV and industrial batteries), a notified body must verify compliance, while portable batteries under 2 kWh can be self-certified.
- Carbon Footprint Declaration for EV batteries (late 2025), extending to industrial (>2 kWh) in 2026 and LMT in 2028.
- Battery Passport (from 2027) for EV, industrial, and LMT batteries, with QR codes providing lifecycle and recycling data.
- Recycling & Due Diligence obligations: sustainable supply chain audits and new recycling targets for cobalt, lithium, and nickel.
New South Wales (NSW), Australia: E-Micromobility Certifications
Effective February 1, 2025, NSW mandates certification for e-bikes, e-scooters, and their batteries, requiring manufacturers to submit test reports to accredited certification body(e.g., SGS).
The Certification Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
Step 1: Identify Product Type & Target Markets
Step 2: Select a Accredited Testing Laboratory (e.g., TÜV SÜD, Intertek, UL Solutions)
Step 3: Submit Samples for Rigorous Testing
Step 4: Testing & Compliance Review
Step 5: Receive Certification Report & Marks
Step 6: Maintain Compliance
How to Source Certified Battery Packs?
When sourcing certified battery packs, always request full documentation from the manufacturer, including test reports and certificates from accredited labs (e.g., UL, TÜV, SGS). Verify that the certification numbers are authentic and valid. Consider the manufacturer’s track record, production capacity, and after-sales support. Choosing a partner with in-house R&D and global certifications ensures that your products meet international compliance and safety requirements without delays.
Partner with Tritek for Certified Solutions
At Tritek, we deliver battery packs that go beyond compliance. With certifications such as UL2271, EN 50604-1, IEC 62133-2, ECE R136, CE, FCC, UN38.3, ensuring safety, reliability, and global market access. In addition, our operations are managed under international quality and environmental systems such as IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001. Backed by 15+ years of expertise, automated production, and local service centers, we are your trusted partner in building reliable and scalable battery solutions.
👉 Contact Tritek today to source certified battery packs you can trust.
Conclusion
Battery certification is not just a regulatory hurdle—it is the foundation for safety, trust, and international market access. The US focuses on UL and FCC standards, the EU enforces CE, EN/IEC, ECE, and sustainability rules, while Asia-Pacific markets (Japan, Korea, China, India) apply their own national schemes.
For manufacturers, keeping up with evolving standards—especially the EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542)—is essential to ensure compliance, competitiveness, and customer confidence in 2025 and beyond.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a cell standard and a pack standard?
Cell standards apply to individual battery cells and focus on their chemical stability, electrical performance, and intrinsic safety (e.g., UL1642 for lithium cells). Pack standards, on the other hand, regulate the assembled battery pack, including mechanical design, BMS protection, wiring, enclosure, and overall system safety (e.g., UL2271, EN15194). In short, cell standards ensure the safety of each unit cell, while pack standards guarantee the safety and reliability of the complete battery system used in applications.
