Battery Certifications: A Comprehensive Guide to Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Certificates

As battery safety is a top priority for custom battery pack manufacturers, it’s crucial to ensure that lithium-ion battery packs are safe before they are distributed and used. To ensure battery safety, custom battery packs must meet a variety of battery safety certification requirements. Here, we’ll discuss the most popular lithium battery certifications: UN38.3, IEC62133, CB, UL, CE, RoHS, and UKCA.

A Guide to The 7 Most Popular Battery Certifications

UN38.3 Certification

UN38.3 was created by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and is the United Nations’ standard that lithium batteries must meet to be certified as safe to transport. The certification tests the batteries for a variety of safety hazards, including:

• Altitude simulation
• Thermal test
• Vibration
• Shock
• External short circuit
• Impact
• Overcharge
• Forced discharge

What does a UN38.3 certification include?

This certification includes:

• A UN38.3 lithium battery test summary
• An MSDS report
• An Identification and Classification Report for the transport of goods by sea
• An Identification and Classification Report for the transport of goods by air

What is the period of validity for a UN38.3 certification?

The UN38.3 certification is valid for one year. However, batteries may still be transported safely after the accreditation expires, as long as they are still in good condition. And it’s worth noting that the cost to update a battery’s certification is much less than the cost of completely redoing a certification.

What is the difference between UN3480 and UN3481?

Specification	UN3480	UN3481
Lithium battery type	Batteries must be packed to prevent short-circuiting and overheating. The packaging must also be labeled with the UN3481 classification number.	Lithium batteries contained in or packed with equipment
Packaging requirements	Batteries must be individually packaged and packed in a strong outer packaging that is resistant to impact and vibration.	Batteries must be packed in a way that prevents short-circuiting and overheating. The packaging must also be labeled with the UN3481 classification number.
Transportation regulations	Batteries must be shipped in accordance with the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG).	Batteries must be shipped in accordance with the TDG, and the specific requirements of the mode of transport being used.

What is the UN classification of lithium batteries? 

All lithium batteries are considered Class 9, which means they are classified as Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods. The UN38.3 certification is a test standard that lithium batteries must meet to be classified as Class 9.

How many packing instructions are there in Section II of lithium batteries?

The UN38.3 certification outlines the packaging requirements for lithium batteries classified as dangerous in Class 9.

Section II of the UN38.3 standard includes three packaging instructions:

PI965 applies to lithium batteries packed separately from equipment.

PI966 applies to lithium batteries packed with equipment in the same outer packaging.

PI967 applies to lithium batteries installed in equipment.

The required packing instruction depends on the battery type, quantity, and mode of transportation.

IEC 62133 Certification

The IEC62133 battery pack certification is an international standard for the safety of rechargeable lithium batteries. The latest standard for this certification is IEC62133-2:2017 for lithium battery packs. This is the most widely accepted test standard for lithium batteries.

What does the IEC62133 lithium battery pack certification test consist of?

The IEC62133 certification process includes the following:

• Design recommendations
• Charging procedure for testing purposes for cells and batteries
• Continuous cell charging at constant voltage
• External short-circuiting of cells
• External short-circuiting of batteries
• Cell-free falls
• Battery-free falls
• Thermal abuse of cells
• Crushing of cells
• Over-charging of battery
• Forced discharging of cells
• Mechanical battery tests

If a lithium battery passes the IEC62133 tests, it can be considered safe for use in portable applications.

What does an IEC62133 certification include?

This certification includes:

• An IEC62133 test report
• An IEC62133 certification

What is the period of validity for an IEC62133 certification?

The IEC62133 certification is valid for three years.

If your batteries export to Israel, you should have an IEC62133 test report during the sample phase. Otherwise, your batteries will be not released by Israeli Customs when you import the batteries.

CB Certification

The CB Scheme (Certification Body Scheme) is an international program under the International Electrotechnical Commission for Electrical Equipment (IECEE). It facilitates the mutual recognition of product safety certifications for electrical and electronic equipment, including batteries.

What does CB li-ion battery pack certification consist of?

CB certification is based on testing against the IEC62133 standard. And this test will be a more professional industry standard.

• Compliance with IEC 62133
• Testing and Verification-short circuit tests/impact and drop tests/thermal abuse tests/discharge & charge cycle tests
• Evaluation of Safety Features-BMS/cell protection/enclosure and insulation
• Documentation and Test Reports
• Labeling and Marking Requirements
• Factory Inspection

UL2054 Certification

UL Solutions developed the UL2054 certification to ensure the safety of household and commercial batteries. If a lithium battery is UL2054 certified, all of the components of that battery should also be certified by UL Solutions.

What does a UL2054 certification include?

The UL2054 certification includes the following elements:

• A test report that documents the results of the tests performed on the batteries.
• A certificate of conformity that states that the batteries meet the requirements of the standard.
• A marking that identifies the batteries as being certified to UL2054.

What is the period of validity for a UL2054 certification?

The UL2054 certification is valid for one year. However, as long as the battery is in good condition, it can still be considered safe to use after the certification expires.

What does the UL2054 certification test consist of?

The testing process for UL2054 certification typically includes the following steps:

1. Initial Inspection – Technicians verify the battery meets all standard requirements.
2. Rigorous Testing – Labs conduct: short-circuiting, overcharging, and thermal runaway.
3. Report Generation – Engineers document all test results.
4. Certification Issuance – UL provides formal compliance certification.
5. Product Marking – Manufacturers apply the UL2054 mark to approved batteries.

CE Certification

CE certification confirms that the manufacturer has assessed the product and ensured it meets EU safety, health, and environmental protection standards. This certification is mandatory for any product sold in the European Union.

What does the CE certification test consist of?

The testing process for CE certification can vary depending on the product and the relevant EU directives. However, it typically includes the following steps:

1. The manufacturer identifies the relevant EU directives that apply to their product.
2. The manufacturer assesses whether their product meets the requirements of the relevant EU directives.
3. If the product does not meet the requirements, the manufacturer must take steps to bring it into compliance.
4. The manufacturer may need to have their product tested by a third-party certification body.
5. If the product passes the tests, the manufacturer will be issued a CE certificate.

What is the period of validity for a CE certification?

The CE marking is not a product certification, but rather a conformity assessment procedure. This means that the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that their products continue to meet the relevant EU directives throughout their lifespan. However, the CE marking is typically valid for a period of five years.

RoHS Certification

RoHS is a European Union directive. This certification guarantees that a battery pack is free from hazardous substances, minimizing the risks associated with exposure to these harmful materials. This helps protect human health during the production, use, and disposal of the battery pack. The directive restricts the use of ten hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment:

• Lead (Pb)
• Mercury (Hg)
• Cadmium (Cd)
• Chromium (VI) (Cr(VI))
• Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
• Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
• Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
• Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)
• Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI))

If your batteries are intended for sale in the European Union, they must be RoHS compliant.

What does the RoHS certification test consist of?

The testing process for RoHS certification can vary depending on the product and the specific hazardous substances that are being restricted. However, it typically includes the following steps:

1. The manufacturer identifies the hazardous substances that are restricted by the RoHS directive.
2. The manufacturer tests their product to determine whether it contains any of the restricted substances.
3. If the product does contain any of the restricted substances, the manufacturer must remove them or replace them with a non-hazardous substance.
4. The manufacturer may need to have their product tested by a third-party certification body to verify that it meets the requirements of the RoHS directive.
5. If the product passes the tests, the manufacturer will be issued a RoHS certificate.

What is the period of validity for a RoHS certification?

The RoHS directive does not specify a specific length of time for which the certification is valid. However, most manufacturers choose to have their products recertified every three years.

UKCA Marking

The UKCA marking is needed because the United Kingdom left the European Union on January 31, 2020. As a result, the UK is no longer subject to EU law, including the CE marking. The UKCA marking is being introduced to ensure that products sold in Great Britain continue to meet high safety, health, and environmental protection standards.

What does the UKCA certification test consist of?

The testing process for UKCA certification can vary depending on the product and the relevant UK legislation. However, it typically includes the following steps:

1. The manufacturer identifies the relevant UK legislation that applies to their product.
2. The manufacturer assesses whether their product meets the requirements of the relevant UK legislation.
3. If the product does not meet the requirements, the manufacturer must take steps to bring it into compliance.
4. The manufacturer may need to have their product tested by a third-party certification body.
5. If the product passes the tests, the manufacturer will be issued a UKCA certificate.

What is the period of validity for a UKCA marking?

The UKCA marking is valid for five years.

Which Certifications Should I Obtain for My Batteries?

We covered in detail the six most recognized battery certifications. But which ones do your batteries require? Here are some factors to consider when deciding which certifications to obtain for your product:

• The intended use of the batteries: The intended use of your batteries will determine which certifications are most important. For example, medical devices batteries meet different safety standards than batteries that are used in toys.
• The target market for the batteries: The target market for the batteries will also determine which certifications are most important. For example, batteries that are sold in the European Union will need to have the CE marking.
• Regulations in your target markets determine which certifications your batteries need. For example, if you plan to sell batteries in the United Kingdom, you must obtain the UKCA marking.

In general, it’s a good idea to get as many battery certifications as possible. This will help ensure that your batteries are safe and meet the most important market requirements internationally. If you’re not sure what certification you need for your battery, reach out to a CMB representative today.

Price Ranges and Timelines for Battery Pack Certifications

Battery certification costs and timelines vary by type, depending on the battery’s construction, capacity, and size. Below you’ll find:

• Number of battery packs needed per test
• Typical price ranges for each certification
• Estimated testing timelines

	IEC62133	UN38.3	UL2054	CE	CB	RoHS	UKCA
Packs Required	10 packs	10 packs	60 packs	2 packs	20 packs	2 packs	2 packs
Estimation Cost	650USD – 2000USD	460USD – 925USD	3850USD – 15000USD	150USD – 200USD	1500USD- 2000USD	200USD – 300USD	150USD – 200USD
Testing Time	3 weeks	2-3 weeks	5-7 weeks	2-3 weeks	4-6 weeks	2- 3 weeks	2-3 weeks

Packs Required: 20 packs

Estimation Cost:1500USD~2000USD

Testing Time:4-6 weeks

Obtaining lithium-ion battery certifications is a crucial step in ensuring optimal battery safety for you and your consumers. By adhering to these international guidelines and obtaining the necessary battery pack certifications, you can rest assured that your batteries are safe and of the best quality. Looking for more information about obtaining battery certifications? Get the CMB battery certifications today. If you need the certifications for your custom batteries, we’d be happy to guide you through the process.